Herman Wilson’s Legacy Lives on Through FFA Advisors

The National FFA Blue and Gold Award recognizes those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to agriculture and FFA. This year’s recipient, Herman Wilson, was honored for a legacy of supporting teachers and students across the country.

Wilson passed away a few months ago. His family members, Dale and Anna Wilson, accepted the award on his behalf during the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo.

Herman and his wife, Bobbie, established the Advisors Making a Difference Endowment and made the first $1 million gift from individual donors to the National Teacher Ambassadors for FFA program.

Dale Wilson says his father’s commitment to education was clear in the opportunities the fund created for teachers and students.

“He was a very strong supporter of education,” Dale says. “Hearing the story of how [a student] wasn’t going to succeed if it hadn’t been for this fund wraps it all up.”

“If you support the teachers, you support students,” Dale adds. “It’s a win-win situation for both.”

Herman believed great teachers were the “secret sauce” of FFA. His investment helped educators strengthen their programs and make a lasting difference in their classrooms.

Allyson Marquez, an FFA member from New Mexico, says her teacher, Shannon Watling, helped her discover a deeper passion for FFA during her first year in the program.

“I hadn’t really lit that spark that I think I have now, but I think a huge part of that was Mrs. Watling,” she says.

Watling says the support gave her the opportunity to grow her agricultural education program in New Mexico.

“Without his investment in the program, I would not have had this opportunity in New Mexico,” Watling says. Her program has grown to three times its previous size since she started.

Through his generosity, Wilson’s legacy continues in classrooms and FFA programs,  and helps educators inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.