Leestown Teacher Earns Regional FFA Honor

A Leestown Middle School teacher has received the Golden Owl Award for FFA’s Bluegrass Region, making her one of 12 finalists for Kentucky’s 2026 Agricultural Educator of the Year. Madison Goodlett accepted the award (which comes with a $500 prize) during National FFA Week from Ruth Ann Fink of the Kentucky FFA Foundation.  

Goodlett, who is known for her work ethic and enthusiasm, provides at least one hands-on lesson every week – whether milking a cow, tending to hydroponic lettuce, pruning flowers, churning butter, canning pickles, or leading another tangible and memorable experience. As FFA club adviser, she also introduces students to the history and importance of agriculture in Kentucky as they develop leadership skills, practice teamwork, and serve the community.

“I love getting to show students how impactful agriculture can be,” she said. “Having these real-life experiences in the classroom changes kids’ lives.”

A 2024 graduate of the University of Kentucky in Agricultural Education with a double minor in Animal Science and Agricultural Economics, Goodlett will complete her master’s degree at Murray State in May. She still lives on the family farm in Spencer County where she grew up, and commutes about an hour each way to Leestown Middle.  

“When you come home exhausted, you’re probably a good teacher because you’re doing the right thing,” she said after Wednesday afternoon’s surprise award ceremony in the gym. 

Principal John Moore can attest to that. “It’s about the preparation, and she works hard outside the classroom,” he said. “She cares about each and every student, and her passion for education is here every day.” 

Did You Know? 

Colleagues, students, and families submitted testimonials supporting Goodlett’s nomination. Among them, from school registrar Andree Gonzalez: “While perhaps other schools have greenhouses or even animals of their own, the passion that this teacher brings to these projects is infectious. So many students have volunteered to ‘play in the dirt’ when previously they barely wanted to even step outside. She and her class constantly surpass their greenhouse goals growing vegetables, herbs, and beautiful flowers. And students who have never interacted on a farm or with animals get to watch baby chicks hatch, meet and greet horses and learn about their care, and grow attached to a cow. I am sure more than one student has changed their life trajectory due to her classes.” 

And from student Kennedy Kerr: “Ms. Goodlett has been a great teacher. She is very kind, she cares for you, and she makes her class so much fun. She has really connected to me because she lives near my grandparents’ town, and we always talk about this specific coffee shop we both love! Everybody wants to join Agriscience class. Ms. Goodlett is my favorite teacher ever!”