Teaching can sometimes be a thankless job, but for one Mid-Prairie teacher, her hard work has paid off. Nationwide Insurance and the Iowa FFA Foundation presented Elsa Schmidt, Agriculture Educator and FFA Advisor, with the Golden Owl award for her contributions in preparing the next generation of young people for careers in agriculture. Over 253 nominations for 75 different teachers were sent and Schmidt was selected as a finalist. She received an engraved plaque and $500 and is now eligible for the Iowa grand prize. The grand prize winner will be announced at the Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference in April. The grand prize winner for his/her state will become the Ag Educator of the Year, receive the Golden Owl Award trophy, and $3,000 to help fund future educational endeavors.