By Blake Jackson
Carlisle County High School agriculture educator Mercedes Branham has been recognized with a regional Golden Owl Award for her dedication to agricultural education and her efforts to inspire students.
With 10 years of teaching experience, Branham was selected for the honor by the Kentucky Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation, which recognizes agriculture teachers who help prepare future leaders. Nominations for the award come from students, colleagues and community supporters.
Branham earned her bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees in agricultural education from Murray State University. Her path toward becoming an agriculture educator began when she discovered her passion for agriculture and FFA during high school.
“When I first entered high school, I had in mind that I wanted to be a veterinarian,” Branham said. “It was my freshman year that I discovered a love of all things agriculture and FFA. My high school ag teachers were like second parents to me and I knew I wanted to be that positive influence for someone, too.”
Today, Branham focuses on creating a welcoming classroom where students can build knowledge, confidence and personal growth.
“I try to create a safe space for all my students,” Branham said. “Yes, I want them to learn about agriculture, but more than that, I want them to grow personally and know that I am there for them through successes and failures.”
Branham believes students learn best when they can apply classroom lessons to practical situations.
“When the students can make connections between lessons we have in class to hands-on learning experiences that directly prepare them for the real world and they can see the immediate value, I think that makes the biggest impact,” Branham said.
Through greenhouse projects and other hands-on activities, Branham has helped students gain confidence and discover new interests. She also supports the community through involvement in organizations such as the Carlisle County Farm Bureau board, WAVE Committee and school leadership groups.
A major achievement for Branham has been expanding the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) for All initiative, helping students develop career skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“My students are tracking hours in their projects regularly and many of my students have successful businesses because of an SAE project they started their freshman year,” Branham said.
Branham credits her students, families and community partners for the program’s continued success and views the Golden Owl Award as recognition of a shared effort.
Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education