Craig Frederick of Lincoln, a retired agricultural educator and FFA advisor, was recently selected by Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) members to receive the Council's highest honor, the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute's (NAYI) Award of Merit. Frederick's award was presented during NAYI's annual State Dinner. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) oversees NAYC and NAYI.
"As a long-time ag educator and FFA advisor, Craig mentored, encouraged and inspired students to learn about agriculture and participate in local, state and national ag-related events and competitions," said NAYC Advisor Christin Kamm. "We are grateful that Craig shared his dedication and passion for agriculture with his students so that they could become valued members of the ag community as well."
Frederick has extensive knowledge in plant and animal science, horticultural and natural resources. He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in agriculture education from the University of Nebraska--Lincoln. Frederick started his 34-year teaching career at Lewiston Consolidated Schools. Throughout his career, Frederick taught in Seward, Grand Island and Cairo, Nebraska. The Nebraska Agricultural Educators Association named Frederick Teacher/Mentor of the Year in 2020. Frederick retired in 2021 after spending 8 years as an ag educator at Seward Public Schools.
In addition to teaching, Frederick exceled in ag education on the state level as Director of Agriculture Education and State FFA Advisor for the Nebraska Department of Education for 6 years. Frederick also served for 5 years as a program success specialist for the National FFA in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he has served on Nebraska's FFA Foundation Board.
NAYI is a week-long event for high school juniors and seniors interested in agriculture. NAYI includes motivational speakers, ag education, networking with peers and industry leaders, leadership experience and information on ag careers. In its 51st year this year, NAYI is the longest running program of its kind in the nation.
"Craig has always encouraged students to participate in NAYI making him a huge supporter of the program and of youth pursuing their passions in the agricultural field," said Kamm. "His extensive knowledge and his passion for teaching others will impact Nebraska agriculture for years to come."
Alsp during the dinner, the NAYC Alumni Board members presented a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving Council member for work and dedication to the agriculture industry. This year's $1,000 scholarship award went to Cole Kalkowski of Omaha for his work throughout the year of promoting and sharing information about agriculture with Nebraska youth.
Kalkowski will be a senior at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln this fall majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in entrepreneurship. Kalkowski has a background in media journalism and is often seen behind a camera recording stories about agriculture and bringing those stories to life.
During the scholarship presentation, NAYC Alum Amanda Tupper thanked Kalkowski for giving generously of his time and talents to Nebraska agriculture.
"Cole goes above and beyond in everything he does, and we're fortunate to have him here in Nebraska leading the way in agriculture."
Additionally, scholarships in the amount of $600 each were awarded to two high school seniors who participated in NAYI this year as returning delegates. Returning delegates have additional responsibilities during NAYI designed to enhance leadership abilities and organizational skills. The scholarships were presented by the University of Nebraska -- Lincoln College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CASNR).
The two scholarship recipients are Jenna Knake from Avoca and Levi Schiller from Scribner, both of whom plan to attend the University of Nebraska this fall and be a part of CASNR.
NAYI is made possible through generous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations. To learn more about NAYC or NAYI, visit https://nda.nebraska.gov/nayi/.
Categories: Nebraska, Education