BKW Secondary School agriculture teacher Erin Smith was recently awarded the National FFA Organization’s Honorary American Degree.
The national award is the highest distinction bestowed upon adults by the National FFA Organization. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to agricultural education and made a lasting impact on youth leadership. With 21 years of agriculture education teaching experience, Smith has mentored hundreds of students through hands-on learning, chapter leadership and career development programs.
“I love to show the kids everything ag is involved in,” Smith said. “We often only think of ag as the farming piece, and it’s a foundation, but there are so many other opportunities within ag that aren’t necessarily farming.”
Smith was one of more than 200 nationally and four in New York to receive the award this year. She was formally recognized at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
“I think the most meaningful piece of this award is that my state association recognized the work that I put in over the last 20 years, and that they nominated me for the award,” Smith said.
Smith is in her first year at BKW and joined the district from Stockbridge Valley Central School District, where she taught agriculture courses and served as the district’s FFA advisor. As an agriculture educator, Smith has served as a board member and president of the New York State Association of Agriculture Educators. She has also served on the New York State Association for Career and Technical Education board.