Two Madisonville North Hopkins teachers have been honored by the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators. 

Annagrace Sholar, who is also an FFA advisor, has been named the 2026 Teachers Turn the Key Award recipient. This award recognizes early-career agriculture teachers who demonstrate exceptional promise in the classroom, their FFA chapter, and the community. Sara Thakur has been named the 2026 Kentucky Outstanding Early Career Agriculture Teacher. This honor is awarded annually to an agriculture teacher in the state who has demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation, and dedication early in their career.

Sholar, known for her applied, project-based teaching style, engages students through real-world experiences such as managing hydroponic systems, designing greenhouse production projects, and constructing a student-built mini golf course in sports turf. These projects emphasize accountability, problem-solving, and practical skill development.

Her students also gain valuable experiential learning through projects like managing a cut flower garden, developing floral products for sale, and participating in horticulture therapy initiatives that serve local community members. These experiences help students build confidence, responsibility, and a connection between classroom learning and real-world application.

Sholar has led students to success at both the state and national levels, with the chapter earning a National FFA 3-Star rating and multiple premier chapter awards in Kentucky. She also emphasizes leadership development through student involvement in FFA activities, contests, and service opportunities.

Thakur emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning in her classroom, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge through labs, projects, and real-world experiences. From animal science dissections and veterinary labs to agribusiness simulations and genetics projects, Thakur’s instruction engages students and helps them build practical skills for future success.

Under her leadership, students have achieved success across a wide range of Career and Leadership Development Events, including multiple state-placing teams and individual awards. Thakur is deeply committed to expanding opportunities for her students beyond the classroom. She has helped students secure Supervised Agricultural Experience grants, develop agribusinesses, and gain valuable work-based learning experiences through internships and community partnerships. Thakur will now be considered for national recognition through the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

Congratulations to both!