PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
July 12, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - A recently retired Hampton, Nebraska, ag-education teacher has been named the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI) Award of Merit winner for 2006.

Mr. Marlin Seeman, a recently retired agricultural education teacher for Hampton Public Schools, received the award this week during festivities associated with the annual NAYI.

"Mr. Seeman's commitment to Nebraska's agricultural youth, and his genuine interest in their futures, make him a deserving recipient of the NAYI Award of Merit," said Director Ibach.

During Seeman's 34 years of service to Hampton Public Schools, he has made significant contributions to the youth of Nebraska. He has produced many state and national FFA qualifiers throughout his years of service at Hampton. He also has been heavily involved in the Nebraska Vocational Agriculture Foundation. The Foundation is responsible for the upkeep and expansion of the Leadership Center in Aurora. For the past three years, Mr. Seeman has served as the mayor of Aurora, where he has been involved in numerous community activities.

Those recommending Seeman for the award said in the nomination application, "As a student in Marlin's agricultural program at Hampton Community High School in Hampton, I was constantly challenged to reach my full potential as a student and as a person." Others spoke highly of his interaction with other teachers. "Marlin is not just a teacher of his own students, but also a teacher of teachers."

NAYI is an annual conference, sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, that encourages high school juniors and seniors to learn more about current agricultural issues, develop leadership skills and cultivate their interest in making agriculture a part of their future.

Award of Merit nominations are received from agriculture education advisers, University of Nebraska professors, past Award of Merit recipients and other agricultural leaders. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council then reviews the nominees' contributions and achievements.