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ATLANTA, IL — The Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural
Education (ILCAE) proudly announced its 2025 annual award
winners during a ceremony held at Central IL Ag in Atlanta,
Illinois. Representative Dan Swanson served as toastmaster for
the event, guiding the celebration with his longstanding
dedication to agricultural education and public service.
Each year, ILCAE recognizes outstanding individuals and partners
who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy, and
commitment to advancing agricultural education across the state.
This year’s awardees reflect the diverse and influential voices
that continue to strengthen Illinois’ agricultural education
ecosystem.
Bill Johnson Excellence in Education Award – Bill Harmon
During his time at Lincoln Land Community College, Bill Harmon
has strengthened the program, helped to secure and create the
Kreher Ag Center, expanded the reach of the program, grown the
number of students enrolled in agriculture education, hosted
national events, and provided hands-on instruction to students
both at the college and through domestic and international
travel experiences.
Excellence in Agribusiness – Abby Coers
Abby is always among the first to volunteer, offer assistance
and/or open the doors at Central Illinois Ag for Illinois FFA
Chapters, ag education programs, legislative events, teacher
groups, etc. She dedicates her time and energy to make sure
students feel supported and the job at hand is completed at a
high standard of performance.
Excellence in Media – Phyllis Coulter
Phyllis has covered agriculture education at the primary,
secondary and higher education levels as a print reporter at
FarmWeek, Illinois Farmer Today and The Pantagraph. She has
shared stories and photographed events related to ag education
and FFA for the past 21 years.
Jim Guilinger Legislative Award – Senator John Curran
The Jim Guilinger Legislative Award honors legislators who
champion and publicly support agricultural education in
Illinois. Leader Curran has been a strong advocate for
agricultural education, ensuring bipartisan support for funding
that strengthens programs statewide. His leadership has helped
preserve resources for teachers and students, keeping
agricultural education a priority for Illinois’ future
workforce.
Jim Guilinger Legislative Award – Representative Kam Buckner
The Jim Guilinger Legislative Award honors legislators who
champion and publicly support agricultural education in
Illinois. Representative Buckner champions agricultural
education from an urban perspective, highlighting its importance
to food security, sustainability, and career opportunities. His
support has expanded awareness and access for students in
Chicago and across Illinois.
Perry Schneider Special Recognition – Allie Bode
Allie joined the FCAE Team in 2023 and has been an asset to the
team during this time. Each year she manages 80 Illinois
school-based agricultural education programs, 100 teachers,
three community colleges, Western Illinois University Ag Ed, and
special projects. Allie is always looking for ways to expand and
opportunities to best serve our teachers and students in
Illinois Agricultural Education.
Perry Schneider Special Recognition – Lori Copsy
Lori Copsy’s impact can be seen in the stability, growth, and
strength of Illinois agricultural education over the past 24
years. Because of her consistent support and service,
agriculture teachers and FFA advisors have been able to focus
more fully on their students, knowing that the operational and
organizational details of the FFA Center were in capable hands.
Perry Schneider Special Recognition – Patti Davis
The results of Patti Davis' service at the FFA Center are
evident in the seamless support she provides to agricultural
teachers and FFA advisors throughout Illinois. Her efficiency
and attention to detail allow teachers and advisors to focus
more fully on their programs and students, knowing they can rely
on her for accurate, timely assistance. Patti’s willingness to
help with any task—large or small—has strengthened the
effectiveness of the Illinois FFA Center.
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Perry Schneider Special Recognition
– Tammy Yard
The impact of Tammy Yard’s work has been far-reaching for
agricultural education in Illinois. By providing consistent,
reliable support to ag teachers and FFA advisors, she has helped
them focus more fully on their students and programs, knowing they
can count on her for guidance and solutions. Her approachable
leadership style fosters collaboration and strengthens the sense of
community among educators.
Ag Education Advocacy Winner - District 1 – Rebecca Baney
Kewanee School District #229 Superintendent Rebecca Baney is an
unparalleled advocate for agricultural education, whose visible
support, trust in the system, and personal engagement have
transformed their ag education program and empowered students,
staff, and the community alike. She was nominated by Kindra
Callahan, Kewanee HS Ag Instructor & FFA Advisor.
Ag Education Advocacy Winner - District 2 – Chandler Meyer-Brown
Chandler has been an advocate for Agriculture, Food, and Natural
Resource programs in the Chicago Public Schools since starting his
role as Director of Career and Technical Education in 2019. His
assistance in supporting teachers as they navigate licensure, meet
grant deadlines and partnerships with FCAE have strengthened ag
education in our Chicago Public Schools. He was nominated by Lucas
Allen, Chicago Area Program Advisor for Facilitating Coordination in
Agricultural Education (FCAE).
Ag Education Advocacy Winner - District 3 – Mark Berg
During his 21 year tenure on the Midwest Central School District
Board of Education he always had an interest in finding exceptional
teachers, renovating facilities, and providing quality spaces for
students to learn. Mark was nominated by Todd Hellrigel,
Superintendent Midwest Central School District #191.
Ag Education Advocacy Winner - District 4 – David Hartke
Mr. Hartke serves as the Alumni Vice President for Teutopolis High
School and strives to help create programs that benefit FFA members
and agricultural education students. This includes awarding FFA
Jackets for Greenhand Degree Recipients, monetary awards for
proficiency award competitors, and senior scholarships. David was
nominated by Alex Schrock, Teutopolis Ag Instructor & FFA Advisor.
Ag Education Advocacy Winner - District 5 – Rebecca Perry
Rebecca plans and implements activities that broaden the reach of ag
literacy in Edwards County, reaching students at every grade level
and adults through community events. Her ability to utilize
resources and boost community impact has allowed both the county
farm bureau and FFA to be successful at state and national level.
She was nominated by Steven Clodfelter, Edwards County Ag Instructor
& FFA Advisor.
The annual awards event brought
together educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and advocates to
celebrate achievements and reaffirm ILCAE’s mission to ensure a
strong, coordinated system of agricultural education for future
generations.
About ILCAE
The Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE)
is a voluntary, advisory association committed to strengthening and
advocating for agricultural education in Illinois. ILCAE works
collaboratively to support programs, inform policy, and advance
initiatives that ensure agricultural education remains relevant,
sustainable, and widely accessible. ILCAE Leadership includes
Chairman Ryan Tate, Vice Chairman Greg Webb, Secretary Paige Mettler-Cherry,
Past Chairman Allyn Buhrow and Executive Officer Jennifer Waters.
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