Hoy Named Finalist for PA Ag Teacher of the Year
Hoy is one of four nominees for PA Ag Teacher of the Year will represent Pennsylvania’s South Central District
Tyrone FFA advisor and ag teacher Tiffany Hoy was recognized as a finalist for the Pennsylvania FFA’s ag educator of the year award for her tireless commitment to the Tyrone ag program and her students.
Hoy was surprised with an impromptu awards ceremony in her classroom on Thursday, February 24 when members of the Tyrone FFA Chapter, Tyrone School District administrators, as well as state representatives from FFA, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and award sponsor Nationwide Insurance, flooded into Hoy’s room to honor her as one of the four finalists for the Golden Owl Award, the highest award given annually to an FFA Advisor.
Receiving the award was a surprise to Hoy, who had no idea she had even been nominated.
“This is pretty shocking. I did not expect this at all,” said Hoy, “But this is about the kids. I’m honored to be their teacher. I’m just blown away.”
In attendance were Executive Director of Pennsylvania FFA Mike Brammer, PA Farm Bureau District Board Director Larry Cogan, the student leadership of Pennsylvania FFA, some of whom traveled from across the state to attend, Mary Thompson, representative of the Boyer Agency, Superintendant Leslie Estep and the administrators of the Tyrone Area School District, Hoy’s family, and many of her current students.
“I am fortunate to know the magnitude of talented and well-deserving ag teachers in our region and throughout the state. I am astonished to have received the regional award,” said Hoy.
The Golden Owl Award is presented annually to an outstanding agriculture educator for their commitment to preparing the next generation of young people for successful careers in agriculture and agriculture-related fields.
Hoy was one of 43 Pennsylvania teachers nominated this year by students, faculty, or community members.
Hoy was nominated by her students, led by Tyrone junior Rayann Walls.
In the nomination application, Walls said “[Mrs. Hoy] is selfless, and teaches us character traits like kindness, honesty, patience, integrity,” said Walls, “The reason I believe Mrs. Hoy is the best in the state is that she always finds the strengths In her students and using those strengths she guides her students to success, she always offers encouragement and support for her students. She goes above and beyond to fight for her students and drive them to success.”
Not only has Hoy spent countless hours and resources on the chapter, but she is always there for her students, alumni, and other agricultural educators. She has become close friends with her current and former students.
“Mrs. Hoy is always willing to help her students while also keeping them independent. She loves interacting and joking around with her students instead of separating herself as a teacher,” said senior Claire Fisher.
Hoy has made an impact not only on high school students but also eighth-grade students through the creation of the new Eighth Grade Discovery FFA chapter.
“Mrs. Hoy created a family for all ag students and FFA members. She pushes her students to be the best people they can be and teaches them the importance of agriculture. Without her, our program would be nothing like it is today. As an FFA member, I am extremely grateful for her and the work she does,” said senior Grace Peterson.
Tyrone Superintendent Leslie Estep credited Hoy with growing the ag program at TAHS during her tenure.
“She forces all of us to think beyond what we might think agriculture education and FFA is, to what it really is and that’s allowed so many [other students] to be involved who may not have been involved before,” said Estep.
Hoy was presented with a plaque and a $500 check from officers of the PA state FFA.
With this honor, Hoy is one of four candidates for the overall state winner of the Golden Owl Award. The overall winner will receive the Golden Owl Award Trophy, the designation of Pennsylvania’s Ag Educator of the Year, and a $3,000 Nationwide funded award to support the Tyrone FFA.
The overall award will be presented in June at the annual Pennsylvania FFA state convention.
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