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
  
  

  

Rylee Ewing is June AEE Student of the Month

 June AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Rylee Ewing as the June Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. Rylee is from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and she is a graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. Before attending University Park, she spent two semesters at Dubois and Rylee said, "the campus was beautiful and the staff was second to none". In May of 2026, Rylee will graduate with a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education. 

Rylee says that she chose Penn State because, "they have a wonderful program and even better professors." Her favorite class at Penn State has been AEE 311 with Dr. Curry. She is a fan of any Penn State sport and loves to hang out in the Ferguson Building. Her favorite place to eat in State College is Chick-Fil-A and she enjoys hunting, pulling tractors, and spending time with her dog, Cinch.

Rylee was involved in the Dayton Livestock 4-H Club in Armstrong County from age 8 to 18. She was also active in the Redbank Valley FFA Chapter during her senior year of high school. When asked about her agricultural passion and interest Rylee said, "To me agriculture is a family tradition. What’s more important than teaching young people about agriculture?" Rylee has been actively involved in the Pennsylvania Farm Show and currently serves as the youngest individual to be a Pennsylvanian Farm Show Commissioner.

In January, Rylee will begin student teaching at Laurel High School. She will be under the direction of Mrs. Laura Palmer as her cooperating teacher. Rylee says, " I am most excited to see how much I can grow as a young educator through this experience."

Rylee's favorite quote is: 

“If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.” -M.S. Swaminathan 

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  Erica Teagarden

  CPPD Student Worker

  Agricultural and Extension Education
  

  Class of 2026
  
  

  

Erica Teagarden is May AEE Student of the Month

 May AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Erica Teagarden as the May Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month. During her time at Penn State so far, Erica has had high achievements in her academics and extracurriculars. She is from Claysville, Pennsylvania and is a 2022 graduate of McGuffey High School. From the time she was eight until she was eighteen, she was involved in the West Alexander Ag 4-H Club where she was an officer for several years holding the positions of Secretary, Vice-President, and President. While in 4-H, her projects included baking, sewing, raising and showing market livestock, and raising and showing dairy cattle. She was also a member of the McGuffey FFA Chapter from 8th through 12th grade. During her time in FFA, she held the officers positions of Reporter, Treasurer, and President. Her SAE projects included employment at a local greenhouse, raising and showing market livestock, and raising breeding livestock. She competed in many different CDEs and LDEs including Vet Science, Floriculture, Livestock Evaluation, Milk Quality & Products, Employment Skills, and Prepared Public Speaking which she went to States for three different times. Erica is also a recipient of the highest degree an FFA member can receive, the American Degree. 

In May of 2026, Erica will graduate with a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education and a minor in International Agriculture. She says she chose Penn State because,

"Penn State was my only option when I was applying to colleges. I truly put all my eggs in one basket, and it was the best decision I have ever made. I knew I wanted to become an ag teacher and of course looked at all of the major state schools, but this one stood out from the rest. Between the opportunities, professional connections, and of course the sports teams it was a no brainer – I was going to Penn State." During her time at Penn State, she has been involved in a few different organizations including FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter at Penn State, the Beta Sisterhood of Delta Theta Sigma, Ag Advocates, and Coaly Society. She has also held a few employment positions on campus such as being a Student Worker for the Center for the Professional Personnel Development, being a Teach Ag! Avenger, and completing and independent study with PAAE. Her favorite class that she has taken at Penn State was Animal Science 201, she says "This class is taught by Mr. Dale Olver and is probably the most informative class I have taken while at Penn State. I got to learn more about animals and our food and fiber industry." She enjoys spending her time in the Ferguson Building or at any of the outside spaces on campus. Erica is also a big fan of Penn State Wrestling and enjoys going to dual meets with her friends. 

When asked about a defining experience during her college career, Erica spoke about her immersion experience that she had during her freshman year. She was enrolled in the AEE 499 course which looked into agricultural education in Belize. During spring break, she got to travel to the country and get and in depth look on Belizean agriculture. She says, "This was an amazing experience where I got to travel to Belize for eight days and learn about agricultural education programs in the country. "

Outside of Penn State, Erica has been involved in a few internship opportunities over the last few years such as being a Washington County 4-H Summer Assistant, a Customer Experience Intern for Horizon Farm Credit, and currently she is working with the Global Teach Ag Network as a Summer Intern and will begin her internship with the Pennsylvania
School of Excellence in the Agricultural Sciences in June. Her hobbies include going for walks, reading, and baking.
When she is not doing those things, she is usually hanging out with her friends or enjoying a meal at her favorite State College restaurant - Otto's. A fun fact about Erica is that she had the opportunity to serve as the 2024 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. During her year, she got to travel to many different events including 45 fairs across the state of Pennsylvania. 

Beginning in January of 2026, Erica will be student teaching at Selinsgrove Area High School. Although she doesn't know specifically what she will teaching yet, she is excited to get to step into a teacher role and share her passion with students. She has always been an advocated for agriculture and believes everyone should have a basic understanding of the industry. Erica says, "I have always been an advocate for every aspect of the agricultural industry. I just love educating people on the industry because agriculture is a universal language and it is important for everyone to know where their food comes from and the opportunities that are available within the industry." When asked about her future plans, she says "Currently, my future plans include becoming an agricultural educator in a Pennsylvania middle or high school. However, no matter the specific career I may find myself in the future, I want to be involved in agriculture and educating in some capacity."

Erica's favorite quote is: 

"Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.” - Fred Rogers

Follow Erica on Social Media 

@ericateagarden

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  Erica Teagarden

  CPPD Student Worker

  Agricultural and Extension Education
  

  Class of 2026
  
  

Nina Coolidge is April AEE Student of the Month

 

 April AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Nina for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Nina will graduate this may with a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education major and a minor in International Agriculture. She is from Wellsboro, Pennsylvania and graduated from Wellsboro Area High School in 2020. In high school, she was a member of the Grand Canyon FFA Chapter as well as the 2021-2022 PA FFA State Secretary. Nina says, "Through FFA, I gained various skills which have helped me so far in my career path such as networking, communication, industry connections, friendships, and mentorships." She was also a member of the Tioga County 4-H Livestock Club.

Nina chose Penn State because "the AEE professors and staff in the Center made me feel valued and

included before I was even a student. I am also a huge Penn State sports fan." During her time as Penn State, she was involved with Block and Bridle and PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters where she served as the club treasurer. During college, she had a job working at Hoss's working as a server. she also worked as a Teach Ag Avenger. Her favorite place to hang out on campus is the VBSC building or room 7 in the Ferguson building. Nina is also a big fan of all Penn State sports teams. Her favorite place to eat in State College is Applebee's.

Not only has Nina been involved at Penn State, but she has also had many other great experiences. She spent 2 summers as an intern for Tioga County 4-H. She was also a member of the 2022 and 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show Junior Committee. Additionally, Nina had the opportunity to be a member of the cohort 3 for the Global Orientation to Agriculture Learning Program. Nina is also certified as a lifeguard. During her free time, she enjoys reading and decorating her apartment. Her agricultural

passion is livestock and upon graduation she hopes to become a high school ag teacher.

Currently, Nina is student teaching at Wilmington High School. She is teaching Senior Ag Leadership, Wildlife, Floral/Greenhouse, Food Science, Intro to Ag Mech, Intro to Welding, Small Animal Management, and Intro to Ag/Leadership. She has enjoyed getting to know her students and exploring the western region. In her remaining time, she is looking forward to hands-on labs she has planned for the students.

Nina's favorite quote is: 

"I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them."

-Andy Bernard from The Office

Follow Nina on Social Media 

@nina_coolidge

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  Erica Teagarden

  CPPD Student Worker

  Agricultural and Extension Education
  

  Class of 2026
  
  

Caleb Cain is March AEE Student of the Month

 

March AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Caleb Cain as the March Agricultural and Extension Education March Student of the Month. During his time at Penn State, Caleb has not only excelled academically but also in extracurricular achievements. Caleb will be graduating this May and is from Howard, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Bald Eagle High School where he was a member of the FFA chapter. In his chapter, he served as the Vice-President and President. He also competed in Public Speaking and Employment skills contests as well as having a diversified livestock SAE. He was also very involved in 4-H as a member of the Golden Bullets 4-H Club and Centre County 4-H Goats Club.

 

Caleb chose Penn State "because of the world class education they provide. Both of my parents

graduated from Penn State as well.". At Penn State, Caleb was involved in the Agribusiness and Meat Science Clubs. His Favorite class was Animal Science 309. Caleb said, "In this course, I learned about the US cattle industry, as well as common practices and management strategies involved. This course is helping me a lot as I am teaching a cattle unit in my Animal Science II class."  Caleb is a big fan of the Penn State Football Team. He also enjoys handing out in the ASI or Ferguson Building when on campus. His favorite place to eat in State College is Rey Azteca.

Caleb's agricultural interest and passion is in animal science and breeding and raising market goats. An interesting fact about Caleb is that he is the co-owner of a small goat farm in Centre County. He was very involved in raising and showing market goats during his time in 4-H and FFA. His hobbies including caring for his goats, gardening, hunting, and fishing. After graduation, he plans to be a high school agriculture teacher in Pennsylvania and to expand his goat farm.

Currently, Caleb is completing his student teaching internship at Wellsboro High School in Tioga County. He is teaching a variety of classes including Intro to Agriculture, Ag Leadership, Natural Resources Management, Plant Science, DIY/Home Improvement, and Animal Science I and II. He is most excited to take students on field trips and to competitions. Caleb says, "I love seeing the students interact with other schools, getting out of their comfort zone, and developing as leaders in a less formal setting."

Caleb's favorite quote is: 

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning." -Louis L'Amour

Follow Caleb on Social Media 

@caleb.cain.923

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  Erica Teagarden

  CPPD Student Worker

  Agricultural and Extension Education
  

  Class of 2026
  
  

 

Cheyenne Bastian-Brown is February AEE Student of the Month

 February AEE Student of the Month

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Cheyenne for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Cheyenne is an Agricultural and Extension Education major with a minor in International Agriculture who will be graduating in May. She is from Ralston, Pennsylvania and graduated from Canton Jr-Sr High School in 2020. Cheyenne was involved in the Canton FFA Chapter during her time in high school. 

Cheyenne said that she chose Penn State because "Being a high school senior during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was unsure of what the next step was for me. I decided that higher education was my pathway, and I got accepted as a Political Sciences student. Obviously, I changed my mind during a year of service as a Pennsylvania State FFA
Officer when I decided that I could make a bigger impact in the classroom. I chose Penn State to pursue higher education, and to complete my degree because of the reputation and opportunities it provides to all students." During her time at Penn State her favorite class was RHS 226: Mental Health and College Students. She was involved in the FFA Alumni and Supporters @ Penn State, Beta Sisterhood, Dairy Science Club, Ag Student Council, University Park Undergraduate Association, Coaly Society, Ducks Unlimited, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)- Sigma Alpha Pi, Teach Ag! Avenger, Ag Advocate, Phi Eta

Sigma, Alpha Tau Alpha. She also held roles as a Global Teach Ag! Network Intern, Teaching Assistant for AG/CED 160, an Orientation Leader with Penn State Student Orientation and Transition Programs, and College of Agricultural Sciences Communication/Media Intern. Outside of Penn State Cheyenne has also been a NYAAE Teach Ag! Ambassador, NAAE Teach Ag! Ambassador, and Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation-Educational Intern.

Cheyenne enjoys watching the Steelers play football, hanging out in the basement of the Ferguson Building or in the VBSC Building, and going to Monte Carlos Pizza. Her hobbies include scrapbooking, music, and reading. One interesting thing about Cheyenne is that she has gotten to serve in multiple agricultural positions including Troy Fair Queen (2018), Pennsylvania FFA State Treasurer (2020), Lycoming County Dairy Princess (2022), Pennsylvania Honey Queen (2024), American Honey Queen (2025). In addition, she is a first-generation agriculturalist, so she has learned a lot about the industry through these various positions.  

Her agricultural interest and passion are for floriculture, dairy cattle, sheep, and honeybees since she graduated high school! She loves getting to teach a wide span of material so that students can navigate their interests as well! After graduating from Penn State in May, she will serve as the 2025 American Honey queen traveling the country advocating for honey and beekeeping. Post her year of service, she plans to find a position teaching agricultural education in the state of Pennsylvania. She would like to eventually navigate establishing agricultural education in K-6 curriculum within Pennsylvania. 

Currently, she is student teaching at Greenwood Middle-High School in Millerstown, Pennsylvania. She is teaching Plant and Soil Science, Basic Maintenance and Repair, Fish and Wildlife Science, Animal Bioscience, Food Science, Global Agriculture, Veterinary Science, and Agribusiness. When asked was experience she is most excited about while student teaching Cheyenne says "I am so excited to have the opportunity to cultivate relationships with the students in my classroom. I remember my agricultural experience and credit all of my achievements to my agricultural educator who pushed me to want to achieve in every opportunity possible. I hope to be able to have a long-lasting impact on the students I get to meet and instruct this semester!"

Cheyenne's favorite quote is: 

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame. A little less than his share of the credit.” – Arnold H. Glasow 

Follow Cheyenne on Social Media 

@cheyenne_bb20

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  Erica Teagarden

  CPPD Student Worker

  Agricultural and Extension Education
  

  Class of 2026