Jason McWhorter has been a teacher at South Laurel High School (Laurel County) since 2001. Submitted photo
South Laurel High School (Laurel County) teacher Jason McWhorter is being recognized as a regional Golden Owl Award winner for his two-decade-long commitment to agriculture education.
Growing up on a farm and raised by two teachers, McWhorter said he initially didn’t plan on pursing education until encouragement from his high school agriculture teacher, Vernon Vaughn from Laurel County High School, convinced him otherwise.
“He kept coming up to me and saying, ‘Hey, you’ve got to be an ag teacher. You need to be an ag teacher,’ and he just kind of put that bug in my ear,” he said.
McWhorter received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, where he pursued agriculture education.
He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and completed a Rank I in leadership from Eastern Kentucky University.
His teaching career began in 1998 at Seneca High School in Jefferson County. After two years, he spent a year at Southwestern High School in Pulaski County before joining South Laurel High School in 2001, where he has taught ever since.
In his classroom, McWhorter said he focuses on making agriculture fun and engaging, emphasizing the wide range of careers available in the field.
“It’s what’s feeding America, and so I try to have them understand there’s more to ag,” he said.
One of his signature lessons involves genetics, where students explore breeding possibilities in animals and flowers to understand how traits such as eye color are passed down.
Greenhouse work is another major part of his program. Students plant seeds and flowers, design baskets and experience the process of selling their products to the community, gaining both horticultural and business skills.
“Hands‑on experiences just make it real life, and they see where agriculture comes to life. I think that’s the biggest thing that makes it fun for them,” he said.
McWhorter also maintains strong ties with the local agricultural community. Agriculture businesses often support his classroom needs, and the farmers’ market purchases plants and flowers grown by students.
He collaborates with extension agents from the Laurel County extension office, 4‑H leaders and horticulture specialists who assist with projects.
“That’s a great part of being in southeastern Kentucky. I feel like we’re a close‑knit society. I’ve never been told no,” he said. “I can go into any of our local ag businesses and ask for something or need something for my classes, and they’re always willing to help.”
Within the school community, his program partners with other departments. Recently, the greenhouse supplied materials for a forensics class project.
Receiving the regional Golden Owl Award, McWhorter said, is both meaningful and humbling.
“Personally, it’s a cool honor. I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “I love my job. I love what I do. I love working with the kids. I love going on the FFA trips. I love working in the greenhouse. I love being in the classroom. My job’s fun.”
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