One local teacher has been awarded a scholarship to allow early career agricultural educators to attend the annual National Association of Agricultural Educators annual convention.

Kelly Pritchett, agriculture teacher at Goshen High School’s AG Academy was selected as one of 47 individuals nationwide to receive the Teachers Turn the Key Award.

The award was given during the November annual convention in Nashville, Tenn.

Through the program, AG teachers from throughout the country have the opportunity to become involved with other professionals in the agriscience field and take part in special programming geared specifically toward early career agricultural educators.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be named this,” Pritchett said. “It was quite and honor to be chosen as one of the two agriscience teachers chosen out of the state.”

Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks has recognized Pritchett’s agriscience program as a model system for incorporating classroom instruction, leadership development and career preparation.

“Kelly is definitely a teacher who motivates, inspires and encourages her students, she truly does ‘turn they key’ to their learning about agricultural programs as well as appreciating the total learning process,” said Tammy Powell, Pike County Extension coordinator.

Pritchett said the convention is beneficial because it gives agriscience teachers a chance to see what other AG programs are doing across the country.

“It’s always hugely beneficial to collaborate with other AG teachers in the country, and see how our program compares to other programs,” Pritchett said.

According to Pritchett the event-goers come from diverse backgrounds.

Pritchett received a plaque, scholarship, which covers convention registration, travel expenses and housing during the national convention.

Dodge sponsors the TTTK program as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.