By 1808Delaware
A familiar name in Delaware County classrooms is now receiving recognition across Ohio.
Alex Zimmer, agriculture instructor for the Buckeye Valley–Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) FFA program, has been named one of ten finalists for the 2025–2026 Golden Owl Award, a statewide honor celebrating exceptional agricultural educators and the influence they have on students and their communities.
The award highlights teachers who prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders while building strong local programs that connect classrooms with real-world careers.
Surprise Recognition at Buckeye Valley
Zimmer learned of the honor during a staff meeting at Buckeye Valley High School on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The announcement took place in front of colleagues and Buckeye Valley Superintendent Ric Stranges. The moment marked a public acknowledgment of the work being done in the Buckeye Valley agriculture program, which operates in partnership with the Delaware Area Career Center.
Students in the program explore a wide range of modern agricultural fields, including animal and veterinary science, biotechnology, plant health, mechanical systems, natural resources, and international business. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning and leadership development through FFA activities and competitions.
The program also connects students with college opportunities, industry professionals, and supervised agricultural projects that help them explore careers in Ohio’s largest industry.
A Statewide Honor for Agricultural Educators
Zimmer is one of ten agricultural teachers across Ohio selected as finalists for this year’s Golden Owl Award. The recognition is presented through a partnership among Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide, Farm Credit Mid-America, and AgCredit.
The 2025–2026 finalists are:
- Ryan Avers, Woodmore FFA
- Shanna Finnegan, Firelands FFA
- Roy Dria, Jackson FFA
- Cody McClain, Seneca East FFA
- Carmen Hartzell, Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA
- Alex Zimmer, Buckeye Valley-DACC FFA
- Deanna Karpuz, Southwest Licking FFA
- Taylor Ryan, Indian Valley FFA
- Brian Cummings, Hillsboro Great Oaks FFA
- Marcheta Ferguson, Northwest-SCCTC FFA
Each finalist receives a plaque and a $1,500 donation to support their school’s agricultural program. The finalists now advance to the final selection process for Ohio Agricultural Educator of the Year.
What Comes Next
The statewide winner will be announced during the 2026 Ohio FFA State Convention later this spring. In addition to the Golden Owl trophy, the educator selected as Ohio’s Agricultural Educator of the Year will receive an additional $5,000 for their school or FFA chapter.
For Buckeye Valley and the Delaware Area Career Center community, Zimmer’s recognition places a local spotlight on the role agricultural education continues to play in preparing students for careers in science, technology, and Ohio’s rapidly evolving agricultural economy.
