By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – Junction City High School is blessed to have one of the best FFA programs in the entire state and region and Agricultural Education teacher and FFA advisor Ashley Vahsholtz along with Laura Miller are a huge reason why.
Vahsholtz, who is currently in her third year at JCHS, has picked up a slew of honors during her time as a Blue Jay, including being selected in August as one of only 15 agriculture teachers nation-wide and the lone representative from the state of Kansas to be named a National Association of Agricultural Educators 2025 NAAE XLR8 participant. Through this program, Vahsholtz will help mentor other teachers in the profession, providing specific professional development to participants who have chosen a career in teaching agriculture. “Being an educator means the world to me. Not only am I teaching students about agriculture, but I’m also helping prepare them for life after high school. Being able to help students see their potential in themselves and experience new opportunities brings joy to me,” said Vahsholtz. “Teaching is one of the hardest professions out there and you never know how much of a difference you make in your students' lives until it comes back around. Sometimes, you may never know, but when you see that light bulb, click, or students achieving their dreams and living their best high school lives, it is amazing. Being able to see and be a part of it is astonishing and I’m glad I get to help be a part of that student's life.”
To fully understand where Vahsholtz’s passion for teaching agriculture came from though, we must go back to her childhood. She grew up in Haven, Kansas, on a farm south of town where she helped raise black Angus cattle, Suffolk sheep and a variety of crops. Vahsholtz, who graduated from Haven High School in 2010, was heavily involved in FFA, 4-H and sports throughout her high school career. Following her time as a Wildcat, Vahsholtz attended Kansas State University where she would go on to graduate with a degree in Agricultural Education and a minor in Animal Science.
Fast forward to 2025 and Vahsholtz, who obtained her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2020, can be found teaching Introduction to Agriculture and Animal Science. She is constantly on the go and is always busy. Take one-step into her classroom and you can tell that Vahsholtz, who is in her 10th year of teaching overall, loves making a difference in young minds as she is constantly doing fun hands-on learning or lending a helping hand to her students as they prepare for different FFA contests throughout the school year. “Teaching at JCHS and in Geary County Schools USD 475 has meant the world to me! I always knew I wanted to join this district if something were to open for Agricultural Education. Then that dream finally became a reality in the spring of 2023. When I came on in the fall of 2023, I was a little nervous as I had only taught in a 1A and 4A school, so it was a big jump coming to a 6A and having larger classes. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world. I have had amazing students who want to dive deep into agriculture and FFA to learn more about it. The students are the main reason I love my job. They make it easy and so enjoyable! Their eagerness to want to come to class and learn about agriculture is astonishing. I love being their teacher,” said Vahsholtz.
She went on to explain that many of her students that she sees at Junction City High School do not come from an agricultural background, so being able to teach them and expand their horizons with what agriculture is, is very exciting to her. “I love being able to see all the hidden talents that my students have when it comes to class projects and FFA events. The teachers and staff are also so supportive. They are what make me love my job and want to come back every day to make a difference in everyone’s lives. The love and support that I get from all of them is astonishing. I’m so glad to call JCHS my home,” said Vahsholtz.