By Blake Jackson
Ben Prevette, an agricultural educator at Hopkins County Central High School, has been recognized as the 2026 Kentucky Agriculture Educator of the Year during the 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention.
The honor, presented by Nationwide and the Kentucky FFA Foundation, celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership while preparing students for careers in agriculture.
Now entering his 12th year of teaching, Prevette has expanded agricultural education through hands-on learning experiences and innovative FFA programs.
Prevette has successfully obtained grant funding to purchase modern welding equipment and a plasma table, launched student-managed sweet corn and melon production projects, introduced American Welding Society certification opportunities, and helped establish garden beds for local elementary schools.
Prevette students have achieved consistent success in Career and Leadership Development Events. Under his guidance, Hopkins County Central High School has earned multiple regional championships and state titles in Agricultural Sales, Land Judging, and Homesite competitions.
Student teams have also advanced to national contests six times in Land Judging and Homesite, along with one appearance in Agricultural Sales.
Prevette works alongside fellow agricultural educators Gabrielle Prevette and Matthew McIntosh to provide four agricultural career pathways. Their program combines classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, and FFA participation while offering students practical learning opportunities.
One of the program’s newest additions allows students to manage a beef cattle herd that supports breeding operations and supplies beef for local school cafeterias.
Beyond the classroom, Prevette serves as vice chair of the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators and is scheduled to become 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.”
The Golden Owl Award honors outstanding agricultural educators nominated by students, parents, fellow teachers, and community members.
Regional recipients receive statewide recognition, a plaque, and a $500 prize, while the statewide winner earns an additional $3,000 award and recognition at the Kentucky FFA State Convention.
Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education