Mercedes Branham, an agriculture teacher in Carlisle County, said her passion for agriculture started early in her life. Photo courtesy Mercedes Branham
Carlisle County High School Agriculture Teacher Mercedes Branham has been honored with a regional Golden Owl Award for her contributions to agricultural education. She has been teaching for a decade.
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.
Branham earned her bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees in agricultural education from Murray State University.
Branham’s passion for agriculture began early after being influenced by her high school teachers.
“When I first entered high school, I had in mind that I wanted to be a veterinarian,” she 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.”
Branham describes her classroom as a place where students can learn, decompress and grow.
“I try to create a safe space for all my students,” she 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.”
She said her students come from a wide range of backgrounds, and some simply need a place where they feel supported.
Branham said she believes learning happens best when students can connect classroom content to real‑world experiences.
“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,” she said.
One recent example was from her greenhouse class where students engage in horticulture.
“A couple of students who don’t necessarily love school started taking my greenhouse class,” she said. After weeks of preparation and learning, the students were able to take that knowledge and apply it.
“Those students who hated coming to school loved the greenhouse class because I gave them the trust and ownership that gave them the confidence to succeed,” she said.
Teaching in a small agricultural community has allowed Branham to build strong partnerships and connections.
She serves on multiple local committees, including the Carlisle County Farm Bureau board, West Kentucky Alliance for a Vibrant Economy Committee (WAVE), the district’s school-based decision making council, work-based learning committee and others.
“Through all of these committees I try to bring the interest of parents, students and community members to the forefront and guide our school and agriculture program in the direction of growth and success,” she said.
School alumni and farm bureau members also play a role in supporting FFA events, contest preparation, class presentations and program funding.
One of Branham’s proudest accomplishments is the growth of her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) for All initiative.
“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,” she said. “Not only is this giving our students necessary skills for the workforce, but it is also increasing the local economy and entrepreneurial spirit of our community.”
Branham says the Golden Owl Award recognition reflects the support of her school and community.
“The Golden Owl recognition makes me extremely proud of myself and the growth that our program has seen over the last seven years,” she said. “The hard-work and dedication that I have poured into the program is being seen and appreciated.”
She credits her students, families and community partners for the program’s success.
“I wouldn’t be able to see all the success we have without great students, parents, and community members rallying behind me,” she said. “So, it’s really a team effort and this award has just brought attention to all of that.”
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