Erin Arnett of Campbellsville High School earned a regional Golden Owl Award. Provided photo
Erin Arnett launched the agriculture program at Campbellsville High School (Campbellsville Independent) six years ago to provide students with a hands-on learning experience that will provide opportunities to grow and strengthen the future of the agriculture field.
“I want my classroom to be a place that I would have loved to be in during my high school years. Somewhere students can find their voices, their passions, and to become the adults the world needs,” she said.
Arnett attended Murray State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture education, and has since been teaching for 11 years.
The true start of her teaching journey began during her time as a high school student.
“I found my place in the agriculture department when I was in high school. I flourished during those four years of ag classes and FFA activities,” she said. “I wanted to be able to be the pathway that students could also find themselves in. To be the safe space, the confidence builder, and the place where students get out of their comfort zones and find new talents and interests for them to succeed.”
She believes that education becomes most meaningful when students can directly apply what they learn.
Whether students are practicing veterinary science skills, designing floral arrangements, or teaching younger children about plant science, she ensures they are actively engaged.
Arnett said one of the strengths of the program is the connection her classroom has to the Campbellsville community.
“During the year there are so many experiences where we collaborate with the school, community and ag industry,” she said.
Her students assist the Taylor County Fair Board each summer, supporting events such as the fair, beef show, pageants and parking.
They work closely with the local farm bureau board to host the annual Campbellsville FFA Bulls & Barrels Rodeo and throughout the school year they present at local Rotary Club, chamber of commerce and ag council meetings.
The students also contribute to the community through service‑based projects like creating monthly floral arrangements for Taylor Regional Hospital’s gift shop and growing lettuce for local schools using ForkFarm Hydroponics systems.
“Every time we partner with our school, community or ag industry we are building connections, strengthening the program and ag community, and showing how hard our students are working,” she said.
Arnett received a regional Golden Owl Award in 2026 for her work as an agriculture educator.
The Golden Owl Award is an honor presented by the Kentucky Future Farmers of America (FFA) Foundation. The award recognizes agriculture educators for their contributions in helping shape the next generation of leaders. Recipients can be nominated by students, colleagues and supporters.
Being a recipient of the award means the world to Arnett.
“Personally, it represents the amount of heart that I have poured into my students, this program and our community. Through the early mornings, long days, and everything in between,” she said. “This is my purpose and I’m so thankful that others can see that too,”
Professionally, she said it validates her dedication to education.
“This has opened doors for continuing leadership, influence and opportunities within agriculture education,” she said. “What began as just a thought six years ago has become something great and is continuing to flourish!”
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