Greene Co. Career Center teacher one of 10 finalist for Nationwide award

A Greene County Career Center teacher was surprised as one of the ten Ohio finalists for the Nationwide Golden Owl Award. Michael Spahr, a power equipment mechanics teacher, was given the news at the high school Thursday morning.

The award honors the agriculture educator of the year, according to Nationwide’s website.

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Spahr participates and organizes several activities at the career center. He acts as the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor and arranges trips to FFA camps and competitions.

Spahr is regarded as a great teacher who creates a bond with his students, according to a Greene County Career Center press release.

In his class, he dedicates his time to ensuring his students understand and perform in the mechanics business, said the release.

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Nationwide states the award is meant to help illuminate the importance of agricultural education and the contributions of teachers. This year’s finalists consisted of seven Iowa teachers and 10 Ohio teachers.

These 17 teachers are selected as honorees and received $500 and entrance to the final selection stage, according to Nationwide’s website.

Spahr has the opportunity to be chosen for the grand prize of $10,000 and the award, said the website. The award winner will be announced in April 2019.