December 2021 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month: Taylor Halbleib

Each month, the Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes a student within the Agricultural and Extension Education major for their hard work and dedication. The Student of the Month for December 2021 has been named Ms. Taylor Halbleib! Taylor is majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education with a minor in Equine Science. Taylor is from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, where she attended Elizabethtown Area High School. 

While in high school Taylor's Ag Ed journey was sparked. She shares, "My passion for agriculture was sparked during my sophomore year in high school when I took my first agriculture education class with Mr. Mark Anderson. Having not grown up with an agricultural background, these courses opened my eyes to the vast, innovative, ever-changing industry of agriculture. Additionally, I was challenged to step out of my comfort zone and given a place to belong in the Elizabethtown FFA Chapter. These experiences had me falling in love with the agriculture industry and the National FFA Organization and helped me to realize that I wanted to positively impact students the way that the industry had impacted me." After starting her agricultural journey, Taylor did not miss a beat! She was not only an active member of her FFA chapter but she served as chapter president and participated in many Leadership and Career Development Events. Taylor was so inspired during her high school FFA experiences that she went on to serve the Pennsylvania State Association as the 2017-2018 FFA State Secretary. 

Taylor started her Penn State journey at the Harrisburg commonwealth campus for one year. She was a part of the PaSSS program which allowed her to take courses in the summer before and after starting her first year which allowed her to transfer to the University Park campus as a second-year student. While at Penn State Harrisburg, Taylor had the opportunity to be a part of the English Equestrian Team and rode horses competitively in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association. 

After arriving at the University Park campus, Taylor quickly became involved in a variety of clubs and took on many different leadership positions at Penn State and beyond. She has served as the National President for Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA), President of Ag Student Council, Vice-President of LEAD Society at Penn State, a member of the Coaly Honors Society, and a member of Gamma Sigma Delta Honors Society. Her favorite class at Penn State is the Horse Handling and Training class (AEE 317) taught by Mr. Brain Egan. Taylor said "This class allowed us to study horse behavior and put that knowledge into practice as we worked to train the two-year-old horses that were sold in the 2021 Penn State Quarter Horse Sale. We were hands-on in every class session and watching the horses learn as well as learning from the horses was such a rewarding experience." While on campus, Taylor also works two jobs including working at the Penn State horse barns and as a student worker and Teach Ag Avenger for the Center for Professional Personnel Development. Additionally, Taylor has held two summer internships, one with the Lancaster County 4-H Extension services, and the second with the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center. 

In her free time, Taylor enjoys riding horses, playing games with her friends, reading books, including her favorite series- Harry Potter, and watching movies. You can always find Taylor in her favorite place on campus to hang out in the Ferguson building or at the Berkey Creamery. One interesting thing about Taylor is that she is a Farm Credit Foundation Scholarship. Taylor is preparing for her student teaching experience at Cumberland Valley High School with Ms. Darla Romberger and Ms. Jeanne Case. She is excited to embark on this experience as she stated "As a Student Teacher I hope to not only develop my content knowledge and learn how to create a rigorous classroom environment, but I also hope to learn how to serve every student I encounter with unique relationships, variable instruction, and a diverse array of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Furthermore, I am excited to explore who I am as an educator. Ms. Darla Romberger has an incredibly intelligent and confident presence in the classroom, and I hope to bring those characteristics into my teaching style as I learn from her."

Taylor's token of advice for underclassmen is to "take advantage of opportunities that fuel your passions. This major is challenging and living in those opportunities that remind you why you fell in love with agriculture, FFA, and education fills your cup and motivates you to maintain a growth mindset as you work to become an outstanding educator."  WE ARE so excited to see what lies ahead in Taylor's Ag Ed journey, and we know she will continue to accomplish great things! Keep up with Taylor's experiences by following her Twitter @TaylorHalbleib and on Instagram @halbleib01

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023

Student Spotlight: Killiann George receives PA Landscape and Nursery Association Foundation Scholarship

Killiann George of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, was named a Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association Foundation Scholarship recipient. The PLNA Foundation Scholarship Program was established to assist students pursuing degrees in horticulture-oriented fields. To enhance the relationship between students and the landscape and nursery industry, the PLNA Foundation recognizes the effort of outstanding students in each of Pennsylvania's colleges and universities, including the Pennsylvania State University, offering horticulture nursery production, landscape contracting, or a strongly related field. Each recipient receives a certificate and cash award to be applied to tuition, books, or educational supplies. 

Killiann is majoring in Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State, University Park, and pursuing two minors in International Agriculture and Political Science. Her future career plans include becoming a formal Agricultural Educator or starting a career in writing and advocating for agricultural legislative policy. One day she hopes to write an agricultural-related curriculum impacting future generations of agricultural leaders. While in college, Killiann has also been involved in LEAD Society, and Collegiate Farm Bureau.

One day Killiann was scrolling through social media when she found this scholarship opportunity which sparked her interest in applying for the scholarship. She shared"This scholarship aligned with my educational and professional goals so it felt like a perfect opportunity to pursue." She spent time filling out an application, writing an essay about her future goals and her current classes, in addition to creating a resume, and a Faculty Advisor Form. She expressed her gratitude for receiving this scholarship by saying "Horticulture is a HUGE section of the agricultural industry and having folks who support the next generation is super important. I am super grateful to the association for their support and hope to be able to encourage future students to take part in this thriving sector of agriculture."

WE ARE so proud of you, Killiann! If you or someone you know is interested in more scholarship opportunities, be sure to stay tuned in to the Weekly TeachAg! Email Blasts with news and updates, as well as the College of Agricultural Sciences website, and Office of Student Aid.

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023

November 2021 AEE Student of the Month: Gabrielle Kriley

The Center for Professional Personnel Development is proud to name Gabrielle Kriley as the November 2021 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. Gabby is a senior studying Agricultural and Extension Education with a minor in International Agriculture. She is from Rural Valley, Pennsylvania where she graduated from Lenape Technical School. 

Gabby's passion for agriculture was sparked at a young age from growing up on her family's fruit farm and continued as she began her journey as a member of the Armstrong County 4-H. She was apart of the Young Ruff Riders, Square Dancing Team, and Teen Leadership Council. She shares "Once I became actively engaged in 4-H, I began to learn the way plants grow, the importance of agriculture literacy, and became more familiar with the importance of agriculture on society. I grew such a love for agriculture as I realized that without it, the human race would no longer exist. As I continued my education through high school and college, my passion for agriculture has only grown."

Before starting her journey at Penn State, University Park, Gabby attended the Penn State New Kensington commonwealth campus where she was involved in THON and served as a biology lab assistant as well as the president of the Student Government Association. Once arriving at University Park campus Gabby has not skipped a beat. She is involved in LEAD Society, serves as a Teach Ag! Avenger, and Student Worker for the Professional Personnel Development. 

Some of Gabby's favorite things on campus include hiding on the third floor of the library to study, exploring new places, and eating at URBN Flavourhous in Bellefonte. Her favorite course that she has taken so far has been AEE 350: Teaching Methods for Agricultural and Environmental Laboratories because of the hands-on opportunities that she can take into the classroom. In her spare time she also enjoys horseback riding and listening to new music. 

Gabby is currently gearing up for her student teaching experience at Bermudian Springs High School in York Springs, Pennsylvania where she will be teaching Agriculture Environmental Awareness and Plant Science. She has shared some goals she has set for herself going into student teaching "My goal is to experience classroom teaching while also pushing myself to learn new content knowledge that I am unfamiliar with. Having the hands-on opportunity of teaching can change my whole perspective of teaching and ultimately, I know it is for the better because my Cooperating Teacher is incredibly helpful and has allowed me to run with the ideas that I have experienced so far."

One piece of advice she is offering underclassmen is "Do not allow your grades to define who you are as a person. College is challenging and you have various resources that can help you advance in your education." The Center is excited to see what else Gabby accomplishes in her Teach Ag journey. To keep up with Gabby be sure to follow her on Twitter @KrileyGabrielle and on Instagram @Gabrielle_mae128.

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

October 2021 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month: Dylan Clark

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, the Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize senior, Dylan Clark, as the Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. 

Dylan comes to us from Enon Valley, Pennsylvania where he graduated from Mohawk Junior Senior High School in Lawrence County. Dylan is no stranger to agriculture, he grew up on his family's beef farm and was an active member of the Lawrence County 4-H Animal House Club for 11 years, and Teen Council for 3 years. In high school, Dylan was a member the Mohawk FFA Chapter for 4 years where he participated in many events and was even a part of the square dancing team!

Before arriving at University Park campus, Dylan spent 3 semesters at the Penn State Beaver commonwealth campus. Dylan chose Penn State because he wanted to attend a college deeply rooted in agriculture. While attending Penn State he has been involved in a variety of student organizations and experiences. He currently serves as the Public Relations Director for LEAD Society at Penn State, is a member of Delta Theta Sigma, and lives and works at the Meats Laboratory. Dylan's favorite hang-out place on campus is in the Ferguson Building. Some of Dylan's other favorite things include Wings Over and the Pittsburgh Steelers team.

Dylan is excited to share his passion for agriculture with others. He states "I want to be able to share my knowledge of agriculture with the next generation of agriculture leaders as well as continue to learn more about the agricultural industry myself. Being a part of 4-H and FFA was an amazing experience for me and made me who I am today, and I want to be able to continue to excite students about agriculture for years to come." This coming spring semester, Dylan will be starting his student teaching journey at Wilmington Area High School with Ms. Joanna McKelvey. 

One of Dylan's favorite quotes is by Mac Miller, "No matter where life takes me, find me with a smile." We are incredibly proud of Dylan and his accomplishments here at Penn State! To keep up with Dylan on social media be sure to follow him on Instagram @mr_showcow63 and on Twitter @clarkncompany.

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

September 2021 Agricultural & Extension Education Student of the Month- Jenna Kibbe!

The Center for Professional Personnel Development is excited to recognize Jenna Kibbe, a senior studying Agricultural and Extension Education as the 2021 September Student of the Month! Jenna is from Findley Lake, New York and a graduate of Clymer Central School. During her senior year of high school, she was elected to serve as the New York FFA State Treasurer in 2017-2018. She attended Penn State Behrend for her first year of undergraduate studies. Jenna is a senior preparing to embark on her student teaching experience this spring where she will be teaching at Gettysburg Area High School under Ms. Jenna Timmons and Mrs. Laura Kennedy. Additionally, Jenna is pursuing two minors along with her degree in both Spanish and International Agriculture. 

While attending Penn State, Jenna has been involved in a variety of student organizations including LEAD Society, Spanish Immersion Club, and SALT. She has taken advantage of student employment opportunities including supervising concessions at Beaver Stadium, welcoming the newest Penn State students as a New Student Orientation Leader in 2020, and serving as an Agriculture Education Avenger over the past few years.

Jenna's passion for agriculture was sparked from her family, where agriculture is a deep tradition. She shares that "My grandfather and dad were both active members of FFA and were involved in showing livestock and competing at all levels in the state. Although I have never shown an animal a day in my life, I grew up with the love of gardening and wildlife management. From helping my dad with his food plots to selling my vegetables at the end of my driveway in the summer, I always enjoyed being outside and enjoying God’s beauty through my involvement in the agriculture industry. My passion only grew as I got older, so I challenged myself by working on a horse farm starting at the bottom by cleaning stalls to eventually being a trail guide."

In her free time, Jenna enjoys playing basketball, hiking, reading books and watching movies! You can find Jenna on campus at her favorite spots which are the Creamery and Arboretum. Her favorite places to eat in State College are Plaza and Rey Azteca, which she said are some of the best comfort foods! 

As Jenna spends the fall semester preparing for her student teaching experience, she is hoping to make a lasting impact on students and the program at Gettysburg Area High School. She states "I am looking forward to teaching classes in Animal Science, Horticulture, Landscape Design and Introduction to Agriculture. One of my main goals for student teaching is to make impactful connections with my students. I hope inspire my students to become lifelong learners and advocates for the agriculture industry. I also hope to help guide them out of their comfort zone to develop leadership skills to become better leaders in the future. Another one of my goals is to be a positive and active member of the community by making a meaningful difference. Whether it’s through service learning, donations or community service projects, I hope to strengthen the relations between community members and my students to make a positive impact. My final goal is to better my skills as a teacher and leader. I want to be proactive in learning from my cooperating teachers, administration and students." Jenna has been a great example of a what being a good leader is like to her colleagues and friends. We know she will accomplish great things throughout her student teaching experience. 

Jenna wanted to share a piece of advice for underclassmen. "For any underclassmen reading this, I would recommend that you spend your time in college exploring different passions and take advantage of every opportunity that you can! It is great to find passions that bring you joy and comfort you when you are stressed in college. It is easy to be overwhelmed and overwork yourself like I did. However, when I felt like my stress levels were getting high, I always had my few passions/hobbies that helped me refresh and enjoy my time here at Penn State!" We are proud to see how Jenna has grown over the past few years at Penn State and excited to see where her Ag Ed journey continues to take her. Keep up with Jenna by following her on Instagram or Twitter @JennaKibbe. 

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural & Extension Education

Class of 2023

2021 LEAD Society Teach Ag! Essay Contest - Finalist Annoucement

The time has come to announce the four finalists for the 2021 LEAD Society Teach Ag! Essay Contest! These "final four" participants will be recognized during the in-person session at the annual Pennsylvania FFA State Convention. This year, we had twelve participants, representing five schools from across the state of Pennsylvania.

Participants were able to step into the role of an agriculture teacher for a day and instruct a class on a topic of their choosing. Following the 2021 contest theme, "INSPIRE", students were asked to include in their lessons a connection to how agricultural education can be used to create passion and interest in the agriculture industry. After their teaching experience, participants were then asked to write a 400-600 word essay on the prompt "How can agricultural education be used to inspire students about the future of agriculture?" as well as a 300-word reflection of their teaching experience. Students also submitted their lesson plans and a video from their teaching experience that were included as part of the competition evaluation process. 


We are proud of this contest and its ability to allow students to experience what it is like to be an agricultural educator. Each participant (and their designated advisor for this contest!) will receive a LEAD Society Teach Ag! Essay Contest T-shirt.

Our four finalists will be receiving gift cards for the National FFA Shop and the first place winner will receive free registration to a 2021 FFA event of their choosing!

And now, in no particular order, we are proud to announce the four finalists of the 2021 LEAD Society Teach Ag! Essay Contest:

Madison Copenhaver

Cedar Crest High School 

Cedar Crest FFA

Agriscience Teacher: Mr. Phil Haussener

Michael Lewis

Bald Eagle High School 

Bald Eagle FFA

Agriscience Teacher: Mr. Todd Biddle

Tre Rosa

Pequea Valley High School

Pequea Valley FFA

Agriscience Teacher: Mr. Doug Masser 

Mackenzie Thomas

Cedar Crest High School

Cedar Crest FFA

Agriscience Teacher: Ms. Claudia Brady

Congratulations to these finalists and all participants! The final results will be announced at the in-person session of the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention on Friday, June 11th. Congratulations all!

Dylan Clark

Public Relations Director

LEAD Society

March 2021 AEE Student of the Month: Lacey Walker

 

For the month of March, the Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Lacey Walker of Glen Rock, Pennsylvania as the Student of the Month. Growing up on her family's farm and being involved in 4-H sparked her interest in agriculture, and as she continued to grow up and find her role in helping around the farm she realized that she wanted to work in the agricultural industry. She had many inspirations for Teaching Ag, she expressed "Many people inspired my to Teach Ag, especially seeing younger kids discover their love for agriculture in 4-H. One of the most influential people was Linda Spahr, who was my 4-H county extension agent. It was amazing to watch her work with us 4-H kids and help get kids excited about agriculture. "

Lacey is a rising senior, and attended Susquehannock High School and decided to come to Penn State to pursue her major in Agricultural and Extension Education with a minor in International Agriculture. She chose Penn State because the College of Agricultural Sciences is well-known and a big university while also providing many opportunities to succeed with a small college feel in the major. Throughout Lacey's three years at University Park, her favorite class was Animal Science 201 with Dale Olver. The clubs she is involved in are Penn State Block and Bridle and Lead Society. In addition, she devotes time to working as an undergraduate intern for the Global Teach Ag Network while also serving as a Teach Ag Avenger. Before coming to Penn State, Lacey was involved in 4-H a great deal as she was a part of three clubs where she exhibited market goats and dairy beef. 4-H also gave her an opportunity to travel to Wisconsin and Idaho through the 4-H exchange program. 

Aside from doing school work, Lacey enjoys doing anything outdoors, especially going on hikes or runs with her dog, and hanging out with her family and friends. You may find Lacey in her favorite place to hang out on campus, on the second floor of Agriculture and Science Industries building (ASI). This summer she plans to continue working as a Global Teach Ag Network intern and help out around her family's farm. Lacey is also gearing up to begin her student teaching experience next Spring and is preparing for that. If you are interested in keeping up to date with her student teaching experiences, be sure to follow her blog at Ms. Walker's "Wise" Tales (walkerteachag.blogspot.com). Upon graduation she plans to work with youth likely in a high school agriculture classroom, but she has also been exploring international opportunities as well. 

A piece of advice she wanted to leave underclassmen is "Get involved and get to know your advisors, professors, and classmates. It will pay off in the long run when you have questions or are looking for opportunities you will have connections!" Over the past few years we have enjoyed getting to watch Lacey develop into a great leader and role model to her peers. We can't wait to see where the future leads you, Lacey! Congratulation's again on being the March 2021 Student of the Month. To find more about Lacey, follow her social media page on Twitter @lacey_walker13.

Morgan Bear

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2023