By Blake Jackson
Chris Thompson, an agriculture teacher at Pendleton County High School and a Pendleton County native, has been recognized with a regional Golden Owl Award for his dedication to agricultural education.
Presented by the Kentucky FFA Foundation, the award honors educators who inspire students and make lasting contributions to agricultural learning.
Thompson described the recognition as especially meaningful because it came from the organization that first sparked his passion for agriculture.
Growing up in a rural community, Thompson said agriculture was always a part of his life. His interest grew through participation in FFA and the guidance of his high school agriculture teacher, Clay Sullivan.
The experiences inspired Thompson to pursue a bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky, followed by a master's degree in agricultural education from Morehead State University and a second master's degree in administration from Georgetown College.
Thompson believes creating a welcoming classroom is the foundation of student success. “Students in my classroom are safe,” he said.
“They can be themselves. I strive to make sure that they understand that I accept them for who they are and that I respect their opinions and I respect them as an individual.”
“If there’s no trust in the classroom or if you’re scared, you’re not going to learn,” Thompson said. “So therefore, we have to make sure that those barriers are broken before we move forward.”
Thompson students gain practical experience through projects such as building rabbit hutches, completing floral design assignments, working in the school greenhouse, performing animal dissections, and constructing a 10-by-12-foot storage shed for the school.
Beyond the classroom, Thompson partners with organizations including the Pendleton County Farm Bureau and the local fair board to provide students with meaningful community service and career experiences.
Reflecting on the award, Thompson said, “It makes me proud that I have put in the work and that I have done things that have gotten me to that level.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education