Ben Prevette, agricultural educator at Hopkins County Central High School, was named the 2026 Kentucky Agriculture Educator of the Year during the 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention. Presented by Nationwide® and the Kentucky FFA Foundation, the award recognizes an outstanding agricultural educator whose leadership, dedication, and commitment are shaping the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Prevette is entering his 12th year as an agricultural educator at Hopkins County Central High School, where he has helped expand hands-on learning opportunities for students through innovative classroom and FFA experiences. He has secured grants to purchase new welding equipment and a plasma table, established student-led sweet corn and melon production, introduced American Welding Society certifications, and helped provide garden beds for local elementary schools.

Student success has been a hallmark of Prevette’s program. Under his leadership, Hopkins County Central has earned numerous regional championships and state titles in Career and Leadership Development Events, including Agricultural Sales, Land Judging, and Homesite. His teams have qualified for national competition six times in Land Judging and Homesite, as well as once in Agricultural Sales.

Prevette teaches alongside fellow agricultural educators Gabrielle Prevette and Matthew McIntosh. Together, they offer four agricultural career pathways while providing students with meaningful classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience opportunities, and FFA involvement. Their newest initiative allows students to manage a beef cattle herd that supports both breeding and local school cafeteria programs.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Prevette currently serves as vice chair of the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators and will serve as the organization’s president during the 2026-2027 school year.

“Ben exemplifies the dedication, innovation, and passion that agricultural educators bring to their students every day,” said Kentucky FFA Foundation Executive Director Sheldon McKinney. “His commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences and preparing students for successful futures in agriculture makes him an outstanding representative of agricultural education in Kentucky.”

Presented by Nationwide® and the Kentucky FFA Foundation, the Golden Owl Award® recognizes agricultural educators across Kentucky for their tremendous contributions to agricultural education. Students, fellow teachers, parents, and community members nominate educators who have made a lasting impact in their schools and communities.

Each regional Golden Owl Award recipient receives a plaque, statewide recognition, and a $500 award. Regional winners then complete an additional application, with one educator selected as Kentucky Agriculture Educator of the Year, receiving recognition during the Kentucky FFA State Convention, a commemorative plaque, and a $3,000 award.