LINCOLN — The Nebraska FFA Foundation recently awarded Ms. Jessica Evans, Osmond FFA advisor, with the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award. Evans was nominated and selected for the award based on her selfless service and dedication to youth development. “There are several characteristics that set Jessica apart as someone who goes above and beyond,” says community member SheilaAbler. “When a need arises, she does not hesitate — she shows up and goes to work. She leads by example, showing students and community members what it means to serve selflessly and respond when others are in need.”
Her dedication to youth development is equally impactful. As a teacher, track coach, and FFA advisor at Osmond High School, Evans invests deeply in her students' growth.
She started the Osmond FFA Chapter, and has built it into a thriving, competitive program. Her commitment to conservation education, recognized when she was named Lower Elkhorn NRD Educator of the Year in 2023, reflects her desire to shape not only skilled students, but responsible citizens.
“Jessica deserves the Gary Scharf Helping HandAward because she truly represents the spirit of helping hands in action,” said Abler. “Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, strengthening both individuals and the broader community. Jessica's steady commitment, humble leadership, and willingness to step forward in times of need make her an exceptionally deserving recipient of this award.”
The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award recognizes a Nebraska agriculture teacher or FFA advisor for what he or she has done in helping others, specifically in the school and community outside of agriculture education and FFA.
As a recipient of the award, Evans will receive a plaque and a $500 cash EVANS RECEIVES FFA, FARM BUREAU AWARDS award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation. She was recognized during the Nebraska FFA State Convention.
Evans with Scharf Helping Hand Award
“The Foundation is honored to present this award to Ms. Evans,” said Stacey Agnew, executive director of the Nebraska FFA Foundation.
"She exemplifies many qualities that defined Gary Scharf's life com - mitment, self-sacrifice, and genuine kindness.”
Scharf, who was a victim of the 2007 Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha, grew up on a family farm near Curtis and worked in the agricultural chemical industry. Over the years, he made contributions to Nebraska's agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, serving as the board president in 2002-03.
“Receiving the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” said Mrs. Evans. “At its core, FFA is about more than agriculture - it's about developing leaders, building character, and strengthening communities.
This recognition reflects not only my efforts, but the qualities that I strive to demonstrate for my students. I am grateful to be a part of a program that prioritizes community involvement and empowers young people to make a difference. This award serves as a reminder of the impact that we can have when we work together, and it motivates me to continue guiding students toward lives of purpose, service, and leadership.”
Ms. Evans also received the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation Adviser of the Year Award. She and Jacob Goldfuss of Summerland Public Schools were both recognized, with both receiving a plaque and a $1,000 award to benefit their local FFA programs.
Nominated by their students, these teachers were elected for their involvement in the school and community, the way they develop leadership in the classroom and how they keep students engaged in agriculture. “The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to congratulate Evans and Goldfuss on this well-deserved honor,” said Megahn Schafer, executive director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. “Through their leadership, they're helping prepare the next generation in agriculture while strengthening their local communities.”
Evans is the FFA adviser for the Osmond FFA chapter. Her students gain hands-on experience in production agriculture through a growing school farm made possible by local partnerships, along with access to equipment, industry expertise and personalized support in the classroom. Over the past 11 years, she has worked tirelessly to build these opportunities, helping students develop skills and confidence that will carry them beyond high school.
"I'm incredibly honored to be rec ognized, especially alongside so many dedicated advisors across the state,” Evans said. "This really reflects the support of our community and the hard work our students put in every day.”
Evans with Farm Bureau Advisor of the Year Award
