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JJC students receive Chicago Farmers’ scholarships

Three Joliet Junior College students were among the recipients of Chicago Farmers’ scholarships. They include Scott Cleland, Samantha Fleming, and Kylie Eike

Scott shared in a thank you note to TCF, “Thank you for honoring me with a Chicago Farmers’ scholarship. I am very thankful for these funds as they will help me further my education at Joliet Junior College. I am currently majoring in Agriculture Business and have a strong interest in agricultural equipment sales. I hope to use the scholarship money to learn more about this sector of business and secure a full-time career in agricultural equipment sales.”

Scott continued, “This past summer I served as an intern with a local agricultural sales and service company where I learned an enormous amount about the world of agriculture business. I am looking forward to the school year ahead. Thanks again for your generous support.”

When Samantha completes her studies at JJC with a degree in Agriculture Business, she plans to attend Illinois State University where she will pursue a double major in Ag Business and Animal Industry Management.

Following graduation from ISU, Samantha would like to go into animal nutrition and feeds. “Creating rations and feedstuffs for different species and livestock raisers is what I would love to see myself doing in the future as a career,” Samantha wrote in a note to TCF.

While in high school, Samantha was very involved in FFA and sports. She served as the FFA vice president for two years as well as the Plot Manager. She also headed the committee for the school’s farm.

At JJC, Samantha is involved in the ag department as the Brad Angus' student worker and is active in SAA. She has been involved in 4-H for over 11 years, and has shown livestock during that time. Additionally, she is member of the Illinois Beef Association, National Junior Hereford Association, and DeKalb Kane Cattlemen’s Association.  

 Kylie is working toward an Associate Arts degree. She plans to transfer to Illinois State University to major in Agriculture Communications and Leadership following completion of her Associate Arts degree at JJC.

Kylie has not settled on a career following graduation from ISU, but she has made researching job possibilities and working in internships that apply to her major top priorities.

As a high school student, Kylie was involved in many activities and held officer positions in each of them. Her main activities included FFA, 4H, band, drama, cheerleading, and track, but she also was a part of Student Council and National Honor Society. Kylie was involved in community service projects with Feed My Starving Children, food drives, blood drives, and clean-up committees at various fairs. At JJC, she is part of the Student Ag Association, which serves as host of events for local FFA chapters and other organizations.