October 2019 Student of the Month: Justin Kurtz (@justin_kurtz_)

Each month a student is recognized within the Agricultural and Extension Education program as Student of the Month for their hard work and dedication to their education, major, and passions. This October, sophomore Mr. Justin Kurtz has been selected as Student of the Month for his outstanding accomplishments inside and outside of the classroom.

 Justin grew up in Spring Mills, Pennsylvania where his experience working on farms with his stepfather in the area gave him a background in agriculture and encouraged him to pursue a degree in the Agricultural Sciences. While he was at first interested in Plant Science, his experience in agricultural education at State College Area High School led him to become a part of the Agricultural and Extension Education program at The Pennsylvania State University. On campus, Justin is an active member of LEAD Society and serves on the executive board for Ag Student Council. Off campus, he continues to grow and supplement his faith at Cedar Heights church. When asked about what he likes most about the University Park campus he responded, "all my friends are here and we have PHENOMENAL faculty and staff in the Agricultural and Extension Education department".

In the future, Justin's career goal is to teach agriculture. While he believes that most people feel motivated by their own agricultural educators to pursue a career in Agricultural and Extension Education, and agrees this is part of his motivation to teach agriculture, he is mostly motivated to "facilitate the development of youth through agricultural education, just as it has done for me".


Some more about Justin includes:

Birthday: April 3rd, 1999
Favorite food: "Mashed taters for the win".
Favorite PSU Class: HORT 150N (Plants in Society) with Dr. Decoteau and Dr. Hoover
Favorite Hangout on Campus: Ferguson 115
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: The Waffle Shop
Favorite Quote: "It is well with my soul".
4H/FFA Background: Justin was active in the State College Little Lions FFA chapter, served as a State Officer from 2017-2018, and has been chosen to represent the state of Pennsylvania at the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo as the National Officer Candidate.

Congratulations again to Justin for being selected as the 2019 October Student of Month. His humor, compassion, and genuine personality will continue to serve him as he finishes his degree and runs to be a National Officer for the National FFA Organization.

Taylor Halbleib

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022