Elsa Schmidt did not know what to expect when she and her FFA students were called to gather in the Mid-Prairie High School library Thursday morning.

What she got was a $500 check and a plaque saying she has been named one of five Iowa finalists in Nationwide’s Golden Owl Awards, which recognizes outstanding agriculture teachers in five states.

“This award is presented by Nationwide and the Iowa FFA Foundation,” Matthew Eddy, of the Iowa Department of Education, said. “This annual award recognizes outstanding Iowa agricultural educators for their tremendous contributions and preparing the next generation of young people for successful agricultural careers.”

He said that 253 different nominations for 75 Iowa ag teachers were submitted between July 1 and Nov. 16.

“That’s really a testament to the quality of ag teachers we have in this state,” Eddy said.

Steve Ferreira of Nationwide read some of Schmidt’s nominations.

An administrator wrote, “This teacher is a tireless advocate and supporter of her students. She focuses a great deal of energy on connecting with all of our students while attending many different events at our school. She leads our FFA program, which has been recognized locally and statewide as a top program.”

A former student wrote, “I first met the teacher when she became an ag educator and FFA adviser at Mid-Prairie, and I was a student entering my junior year of high school. This teacher was, and still is, an inspiration to me and countless others. She has a way of connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and inspiring them all to do more in and out of the classroom.”

Another former student, who is now a co-worker wrote, “I obtained a degree in ag education because of this teacher.”

Mid-Prairie High School Principal Jay Strickland said he jumped at the opportunity to nominate Schmidt for the award.

“I’ve worked with Elsa for the past four years, and she contributes so much to our school even outside of the FFA program,” Strickland said. “She’s someone I trust and value and always appreciate her input.”

Shawn Powell of Southeast Iowa Insurance in Kalona presented the check and plaque to Schmidt.

“When Nationwide asked us to participate in today’s ceremony, I didn’t even have to think twice,” Powell said. “Elsa, in my opinion, is the best.”

Schmidt said she was humbled by the award and the comments in the nominations.

“It was wonderful to hear the very nice things that were said about me from my former students and from people here at the school,” she said. “I do what I do because this is important work. It’s not about awards or those sorts of things. It’s about the relationships I have with the students and being able to follow up with those kids for the rest of their lives.

“There’s times we kind of forget the impact we’re having, so it’s nice to be able to hear everybody’s kind words.”

The ag educator of the year will be announced at the state FFA convention in March and will receive a $3,000 prize.