PLYMOUTH — The students and staff of Plymouth High School already know their Ag teacher was the cream of the crop.
Now, she’s got the award to prove it.
Agricultural educator and FFA advisor Laura Ringler received the Golden Owl Award earlier this month from the Ohio FFA and Nationwide. The award recognizes 10 extraordinary teachers throughout the state.
Each recipient is also a finalist for the 2021-2022 Ag Educator of the Year award.
Ringler was presented with the award during a surprise assembly March 17. She said it felt strange to receive the award — she sees so many other worthy candidates around her.
“We are in a profession of so many amazing individuals, most of which go above and beyond for their students and communities,” she said.
Nevertheless, Ringler said she was grateful for the support of the community and alumni who nominated her.
“That perhaps is the best part about this award, it brings together so many,” she said.
Lauren Corry, manager of special projects for the Ohio FFA Foundation, said Ringler was one of 109 teachers nominated across the state. She received 18 nominations.
One nominator described Ringler as “relentlessly and selflessly devoted to students and her field.”
“Mrs. Ringler’s unwavering dedication and commitment to students and to agricultural education go way beyond the textbook, the classroom and payable hours,” they wrote.
In addition to an honorary plaque, the Plymouth FFA Chapter received $500 to help support future educational efforts.
Ringler said the funds will be used to bring in a classroom speaker.
Ohio’s Ag Educator of the Year will be announced in May during the 94th Ohio FFA Convention. The winner will earn an additional $3,000 for their school’s agriculture program.
“We would use the $3,000 in a variety of ways,” Ringler said. “Around seventy percent of our students in our school district are on free and reduced lunches.
“We use funds donated and raised to provide classroom supplies, apparel for our students, reduced trip costs, meals for our students and classroom incentives.”
Bridging the gap
Ringler grew up on a small farm in rural Willard and graduated from Seneca East High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the Ohio State University and her master’s in agricultural and extension education from Virginia Tech.
“There is a great disconnect between Agriculture and the consumer and I desired to be a part of filling the knowledge gap,” she said.
Ringler has taught at Plymouth High School since 2010. Since then, she’s seen 35 of her students earn the State FFA Degree and 22 earn the American FFA Degree.
Ringler strives to give her students as much real-world experience as she can. She regularly takes them to state and national conventions, career development events and visits to local businesses.
Sometimes she brings the “real world” into the classroom.
“We bring in guest speakers and have morning conversations with professionals as an opportunity for them to network and learn career and life skills,” Ringler said.
Principal Joe Morabito described Ringler as a role model and mentor to her students. She often arrives at school early, stays late and even comes in on weekends to help students prepare for projects and competitions.
“Mrs. Ringler is fully dedicated to her students accomplishing all that they can while in her program,” Morabito said. “Her impact on the school and community has been incredible.”
Ringler is quick to credit the community’s efforts to support her students and the ag program.
“We have so many hardworking volunteers, many of which do not have direct ties to our agricultural education program, who work selflessly to provide mentorship opportunities for our students,” she said. “We are so grateful for the support our community provides.”
