Each year the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with Huber Engineered Woods, recognizes a classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in teaching students about the importance of Georgia’s forests to our environment, economy, and heritage. This year we are proud to recognize 36-year agriculture education veteran, Richard Gill of Brantley County High School in Nahunta, Georgia, as the 2025 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year.
For 36 years, Gill has inspired his students to compete in a number of FFA Forestry Career Development Events (CDE), including Forestry Field Day, Environmental Natural Resources (ENR), Wildlife Management and Land Judging. His program produced numerous area winners and state qualifiers at both the Junior and Senior levels, including five Senior Teams and three Junior Teams that earned State FFA Championships. The five state-winning Senior Teams went on to represent Georgia FFA at the National level, placing 7th in 1995, 4th in 1999, 14th in 2001, 11th in 2002, and capturing the National Championship in 2003.
“It’s a true honor for me to be recognized with this award,” said Richard Gill, Brantley County High School Teacher and recipient of the 2025 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award. “Forestry is my passion, and I love nothing more than sharing it with others. My goal is for students to have a deep appreciation for and understanding of the important role the forestry and natural resources industry play in our daily lives.”
Gill was honored for his achievements at the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) 2025 Annual Conference and Forestry Expo, held July 25–27 at the Jekyll Island Convention Center. Before an audience of more than 700 members and stakeholders from across the forestry supply chain, attendees celebrated his decades of service to forestry education. This year, 12 educators from across the state were nominated for the award, making the selection process especially competitive. Gill rose to the top for his unmatched ability to combine hands-on instruction with real-world industry connections, producing not only state and national champions but also generations of students prepared to enter Georgia’s forestry workforce with skill, purpose, and pride.
“Richard Gill’s work is proof that the surest way to grow a strong industry is to plant seeds in young minds,” said Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Foundation. “By forging real connections between the classroom and Georgia’s forestry community, he gave his students more than an education—he gave them a future. His legacy lives in every graduate who now stewards our state’s forests with the knowledge, values, and dedication he instilled.”
The Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods, whose support enables the Georgia Forestry Foundation to provide a $1,500 cash award to the honoree and cover their registration and travel to the GFA Annual Conference.
“Huber understands the importance of industry partnerships in supporting education and we are pleased to sponsor the Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year Award, stated Kent Huff, Area Procurement Forester, Huber Engineered Woods. “We congratulate Mr. Richard Gill for his commitment and tireless efforts to create a passion for forestry in the next generation.”
Click here to learn more about the Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year nomination and application process.Â
