Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association recognizes Perkins County with Outstanding Secondary Program Award

The Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association (NAEA) is proud to recognize the Perkins County agricultural education program with the Outstanding Secondary Program Award, honoring programs that demonstrate excellence in student engagement, experiential learning, leadership development, and community impact.

Led by advisors Seth Burge and Doug Babbitt, the Perkins County program serves 134 students and has experienced significant growth and innovation over the past five years. The program has focused on intentional development through clearly defined goals that expand opportunities for students and strengthen agricultural education across all grade levels.

A major area of growth has been the creation of a middle school agricultural education program, which introduces younger students to agriculture and leadership opportunities early in their educational journey. The program also established an on-campus animal learning lab, providing students with hands-on experiences in animal care, management, and agricultural science.

Perkins County has also invested heavily in facility improvements. Over the past five years, the program modernized its welding shop, giving students access to updated equipment and industry-relevant training that better prepares them for careers in agriculture and skilled trades.

Through active participation in FFA activities, the program emphasizes the development of essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, responsibility, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to apply these skills in competitions, chapter activities, and service projects that connect learning to real-world experiences.

The success of the Perkins County program is strengthened by strong partnerships with industry professionals, community members, and school personnel. These relationships provide valuable  support for student learning and program development while ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to local agricultural needs.

To maintain strong connections with supporters and stakeholders, the program communicates regularly through weekly email updates, social media posts, meetings with the school board, and outreach to local organizations. Perkins County also actively participates in the Connecting

Chapters initiative and the National Chapter Award Program, further demonstrating its commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Both Burge and Babbitt are actively involved in Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association committees, contributing their leadership and expertise to agricultural education across the state.

The Nebraska Agriculture Educators Association congratulates the Perkins County agricultural education program, Seth Burge, and Doug Babbitt on this outstanding achievement and thanks them for their continued dedication to Nebraska agriculture and agricultural education.