The University of Illinois ATA Chapter-Ag Education Club was selected as the winner of the first National Teach Ag Day Collegiate contest.

National Teach Ag Day is a day set aside to bring awareness to the career of agricultural education and to recognize current agricultural educators for their dedication and hard work.

According to a press release, contest entries ranged from media campaigns to appreciation receptions for current ag educators, activities at local elementary schools, departmental open houses, political advocacy efforts and even a statewide essay contest.

Students in the ATA Chapter-Agricultural Education Club at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign used every communications method at their disposal to spread the word about agricultural education. UI students contacted media in the Urbana-Champaign area, resulting in a TV interview on WCIA’s “Ag Answers” morning news segment, as well as several mentions on other radio and television stations. Students also utilized social media by promoting National Teach Ag Day on their club’s Facebook page as well as on their personal pages.

Club members also wanted to recognize current agriculture teachers for their hard work and dedication according to the press release, so they sent a handwritten note to every agriculture teacher in Illinois, 408 total. Several students also submitted letters of appreciation to their local newspapers as a more public way to thank their agriculture teachers and draw attention to the profession of agricultural education.

As winners of the National Teach Ag Day Collegiate contest, the ATA Chapter-Ag Ed Club received $250 for their club. Their entry will also be showcased at the Teach Ag booth at the 2010 National FFA Convention Career Show, which is attended annually by more than 50,000 people.