High School

Mr. Josh Christiansen was awarded the 2025 District VII FFA Golden Owl Award presented by the SD FFA Foundation & Nationwide on Friday, February 21st at Harrisburg High School. The award was presented by Jared Ducommun, Nationwide, and Caroline Hansen, SD FFA Association Leadership & Program Manager. Mr. C was nominated by FFA student-members, supporters, and fellow advisors. Officers shared, “Mr. Christiansen’s award is highly deserved, and he does so much to support us.” The Harrisburg High School FFA officership led the nominating process by encouraging fellow members, supporters, and co-advisors to submit nominations on behalf of Mr. Christiansen.

Mr. Christiansen has been an Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Educator and FFA Advisor for 22 years, 6 of which have been at Harrisburg High School. In his time at HHS, Mr. Christiansen led the 2023-2024 Ag Mechanics CDE team to a South Dakota State Championship and 11th place national ranking. This May he will lead a CDE team at National Range, Land, and Soil Judging in Oklahoma.

He is busy, along with his co-advisors, preparing for CDE season, assisting 79 FFA chapter members as they enhance their career development skills and presentations ahead of competition season and State Convention.

Mr. Christiansen has been an Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources Educator and FFA Advisor for 22 years, 6 of which have been at Harrisburg High School. In his time at HHS, Mr. Christiansen led the 2023-2024 Ag Mechanics CDE team to a South Dakota State Championship and 11th place national ranking. This May he will lead a CDE team at National Range, Land, and Soil Judging in Oklahoma. He is busy, along with his co-advisors, preparing for CDE season, assisting 79 FFA chapter members as they enhance their career development skills and presentations ahead of competition season and State Convention.

In addition to FFA advising, Mr. Christiansen has brought many improvements and enhancements to the welding program at HHS, specifically the incorporation of computerized plasma cutting. The growth of the welding program in both enrollment and projects cannot be overlooked. When Mr. Christiansen began at HHS, there were approximately 40 learners in the welding program; now, looking at 2025-2026 registrations, the program has grown to over 100 learners exploring the pathway.

The Golden Owl Award is presented in 13 states across the country. Mr. Christiansen now competes for the state award, which will be announced on Friday, April 5th at the State FFA Convention in Brookings during the evening session. Congrats to Mr. Christiansen on his award and many accomplishments.