VERSAILLES – Dena Wuebker was recognized as a Golden Owl Award recipient at the Versailles annual FFA Alumni omelet breakfast recognizing agricultural educators for their tremendous contributions in preparing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.
“They caught me super off-guard, I was really off-guard,” said Wuebker. “It was a big surprise, a really nice surprise.”
“I have had a lot of outstanding students,” Wuebker added. “They have done lots of wonderful things – things way beyond what I could ever imagine and dream of they’ve done. “lots of wonderful students and memories.”
The Golden Owl Award is presented by Nationwide, the Ohio FFA, Ohio Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, and AgCredit. The award recognizes agricultural educators across Ohio for their tremendous contributions in helping the next generation of agricultural leaders. Student, fellow teacher, and other supporters nominate their favorite agricultural teacher and summarize what makes them the best in the state.
“In the fall we received 484 nominations for 133 different teachers,” said Organization Director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Taylor Watkins. “Ten teachers were chosen as finalists and honorees for the Golden Owl Award. Today we’re here to recognize the outstanding work of Dena Wuebker.”
“Dena is more than deserving of this award,” said Matt Aultman, State Trustee District 14 for Darke, Clark, Champaign, and Miami County Farm Bureau, and Darke County Commissioner. “Dena is not only a teacher, she is a cheerleader for our community, she looks at what the program does and how it makes the community better. She gets you to want to do better as a person and that is what brings us one of the higher premium FFA Chapters here in the state of Ohio. Dena has one of the largest programs in the county right now with the amount of students going through it.”
“Dena is one of the best in the Nation,” said Versailles High School Principal, Jacki Stonebraker. “Her passion of students … very time you ask her something – ‘well, what’s best for students’. She is always serving and giving to our students more than any other person I know. She is a good mentor for me some days when I’m having tough days and she’s a great mentor for our students. It’s a pleasure to work with Dena Wuebker.”
Wuebker is in her 30th year at Versailles teaching in the school’s FFA program and received many kind comments at the award presentation.
“I have had a lot of outstanding students,” she noted. “They have done many wonderful things – things way beyond what I could ever imagine and dream of. Many wonderful students and memories – only a few more years left.”
“Dena and I have worked together for almost five years,” said Taylor Watkins. “I am very fortunate to have her in one of my areas and lucky to work with her in a lot of her programs.”
“Mrs. Dena Wuebker was my former Agriculture teacher at Versailles,” said Marie Carity, a 24-year agricultural teacher at Miami East High School. “I had her in high school and she has been my friend ever since.”
“I was an Ag teacher for 18-years and worked with Mrs. Wuebker,” St. Marys Memorial school counselor, Lucy Bambauer said. “We traveled to a lot of conventions, lots of great memories. Nobody is more deserving not only how she taught her kids probably more than anyone else, but she’s taught more Ag teachers than anyone else because she’s always helping other AG teachers provide the best opportunities for their kids.”
Wuebker took time to thank those who have stood by her side over her 30 years at the Versailles FFA program.
“There are a lot of people to thank,” Wuebker stated. “My husband, my family, and my administration. I have had various support from school boards, alumni, past students, and everybody who has helped me in the process.”
