Katelyn Stringer is October AEE Student of the Month

 

 October AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Katelyn as the October Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. Katelyn is from McVeytown, Pennsylvania and she is a graduate of Mount Union Area High School. Before attending University Park, she began her Penn State journey at Penn State Mont Alto. In May of 2026, Katelyn will graduate with a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education.

Katelyn says that she chose Penn State because, "its strong reputation for hands-on learning, expert
faculty, and deep connections to the agriculture industry. Penn State offers a comprehensive program that combines classroom knowledge with real-world experiences, preparing me to be an effective educator and advocate for agriculture. The university’s commitment to community engagement and extension services aligns perfectly with my passion for helping others and promoting the importance of agriculture in everyday life." 

favorite class at Penn State has been AEE 349 and 350 Katelyn says, "AEE 349 and 350, as well as any class taught by Dr. Ewing has helped me feel more confident teaching mechanics. His teaching style makes it easier to explain these concepts to others." She is a fan of any Penn State sport and loves to hang out in 214 Ferguson Building. Her favorite place to eat in State College is Raising Canes and she enjoys Antiquing, Square Dancing, Dirt Track Racing, Rodeos, Line Dancing, dairy farming, and being with my friends & family. A fun fact about Katelyn is that she is ambidextrous.

Katelyn has been in the Wayne Township 4-H in Mifflin County where was a part of the 4-H Student Government and also involved in Poultry Club and Rabbit Club. She now serves as a leader for the Shavers Creek 4-H Club in Huntingdon County. In high school, Katelyn was a part of the Captain Jack FFA Chapter where she served as the Reporter and Secretary. She also earned the Huntingdon County Rotary Club Outstanding FFA Member in 2022, the Star Greenhand, the Start Chapter Farmer, and received her Keystone Degree and American Degree. She is now a part of the Captain Jack FFA Alumni and Supporters. 

Katelyn says "My passion for agriculture is centered around dairy farming and advocating for the industry. I am deeply interested in the care and management of dairy cows and the important role dairy farming plays in providing nutritious food. Beyond farming itself, I am dedicated to promoting agriculture by educating others about its value and supporting farmers in our community. This passion drives me to help others understand where their food comes from and the hard work behind every meal." In the future, Katelyn hopes to become an informal agricultural and/or environmental educator.

This January, Katelyn will begin student teaching at Bermudian Springs High School with Mrs. Cheyene Wivell. She will be teaching AFNR, Plant Science, Floral Design, Plant Growth & Marketing, Mech & Tech 1. She is most excited for to be in a classroom hopefully inspiring the future generation of agriculturalists.

Katelyn's favorite quote is: 

“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!” - Miss Frizzle

Rick Bolinger is September AEE Student of the Month

 September AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Rick Bolinger as the September Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. Rick is from New Enterprise, Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Northern Bedford County High School. While in high school, he was a part of the Northern Bedford County FFA Chapter where he held an officer position for two years and got to attend many different conferences and contests. Rick will graduate in May of 2026.

Before attending University Park, he began his Penn State journey at the Altoona campus. When asked why he chose Penn State Rick says, "I chose Penn State because I knew I wanted to major in Ag Education and Penn State is one of the best!" His favorite classes while at Penn State have been AEE 349 and AEE 350 both focus on teaching ag mechanics and are taught by Dr. Ewing. 

Rick is a big Steelers Football fan. He enjoys hunting, playing sports, and playing guitar. A fun fact about Rick is that he can play the banjo. While at Penn State, he has worked at the Haller Beef Farm. He also got to be a part of Shaver's Creek Outdoor School. His agriculture interest revolves around Animal Science and he particularly enjoys beef production. His future plans are to become a high school ag teacher. 

In January, Rick will begin student teaching at Juniata Valley High School with Mrs. Raylene Russell. He will be teaching a few general ag science classes, animal science, food science, and an 8th-grade rotation. He is excited to be able to teach a unit on beef cattle in two different courses.     

Rick's favorite quote is: 

“If you ain't first, you're last"

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  Erica Teagarden

  CPPD Student Worker

  Agricultural and Extension Education
  

  Class of 2026