09/21/2026
Jessica Gray - Paris
“Mrs. Gray has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to agricultural education and to the students she serves. She currently serves as an Agricultural Education teacher and FFA Advisor at Paris High School. (Paris School District)
Her preparation for agricultural education began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Arkansas in 2005. She later earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2024. (IMPACT Fellowship)
Mrs. Gray has also continued to grow as an educational leader. She was selected for Cohort 8 of the University of Arkansas IMPACT Arkansas Principal Fellows Program. The cohort consisted of 19 educators, and the program was an 18-month leadership-development opportunity. At the time of her selection, Gray said she had worked in education for 17 years and wanted to develop her leadership abilities and grow as a teacher leader. (Resident News Network)
Her commitment to agricultural education extends beyond Paris High School. Arkansas FFA’s 2025–2026 committee listings identify Jessica Gray as a member of the Ag Mechanics Career Development Event committee as well as the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event committee. (Arkansas FFA)
Mrs. Gray has also helped connect Paris High School students with opportunities outside the traditional classroom. The World Food Prize’s official 2021 Global Challenge Research Papers listing identifies Lauren Massey of Paris High School, Arkansas, with Jessica Gray listed as the agriculture teacher. (World Food Prize)
Her impact can also be seen in her continued service to Paris High School. The Paris School District’s March 2026 board documents included Jessica Gray among the certified staff recommended for the 2026–2027 school year, and the current Paris High School staff directory continues to list her as an Agricultural Education teacher and FFA Advisor. (Paris School District)
What makes Mrs. Gray deserving of recognition for Teach Ag Day is not simply her job title. Her career demonstrates continued investment in agricultural education, FFA, professional development, and student opportunities. She has pursued advanced education, participated in a competitive statewide leadership fellowship, contributed to Arkansas FFA at the state level, and supported students in agricultural opportunities beyond the regular classroom.
Mrs. Gray represents the kind of agricultural educator who helps students see that agriculture is much larger than a single class. Through agricultural education and FFA, students can develop knowledge and experience in areas such as agriculture, leadership, communication, mechanics, research, and career preparation.
For these reasons, I believe Jessica Gray is deserving of recognition on Teach Ag Day. Her continued service as an agricultural educator and FFA advisor, her involvement with Arkansas FFA, her commitment to professional growth, and the opportunities she provides for students demonstrate the important role agricultural educators play in their schools and communities.” - Quote from Nomination.
