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Bonnie Johnson
July 08, 2026
Media ArticleBen Prevette, an agricultural educator at Hopkins County Central High School, has earned the title of 2026 Kentucky Agriculture Educator of the Year during the 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention.
The award, sponsored by Nationwide and the Kentucky FFA Foundation, recognizes educators who demonstrate outstanding leadership while preparing students for successful careers in agriculture.
With 12 years of teaching experience, Prevette has built a program focused on hands-on learning and career readiness.
Prevette has secured grant funding to purchase advanced welding equipment and a plasma cutting table, created student-managed sweet corn and melon production projects, expanded opportunities for students to earn American Welding Society certifications, and supported the development of garden beds for local elementary schools.
Students in Prevette’s program have consistently excelled in Career and Leadership Development Events, capturing regional championships and state titles in Agricultural Sales, Land Judging, and Homesite competitions. His teams have also represented Kentucky at the national level six times in Land Judging and Homesite, as well as once in Agricultural Sales.
Working alongside fellow agricultural educators Gabrielle Prevette and Matthew McIntosh, he helps oversee four agricultural career pathways that combine classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, and active FFA participation.
The program has also introduced a student-managed beef cattle herd that supports breeding operations while supplying locally raised beef to area school cafeterias.
Outside the classroom, Prevette serves as vice chair of the Kentucky Association of Agricultural Educators and is set 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 recognizes exceptional agricultural educators nominated by students, parents, colleagues, and community members. Regional winners receive statewide recognition, a plaque, and a $500 award, while the overall Kentucky recipient earns an additional $3,000 and is honored during the Kentucky FFA State Convention.
Photo by: kyffa.org
