Laker Nation News

Lake Land College recently honored students in its agriculture programs at the 47^th Annual Agriculture Banquet.

An excited crowd of friends, family, faculty and staff filled the Lake Land College Field House for the banquet, which honored outstanding agriculture students and alumni.

“The agriculture division could not be the nationally recognized program it is without the great support of everyone in this room. The college board of trustees, our administration team, supportive alumni, industry partners, or the 284 amazing students we have the privilege to interact with every day,” said Ryan Orrick, division chair agriculture/agriculture instructor, as he welcomed families and friends of agriculture students.

“I want to say, we, the Laker family, are thankful to have been a small part of their journey and look forward to their future success,” he said.

Throughout the evening, various groups were recognized for their outstanding efforts including: the Agriculture Transfer Club, the Agriculture Business Club, the Horticulture Club, student leaders in the agriculture division, the Livestock Judging Team and members of the Post-Secondary Agriculture Students group.

Carey Wilson, Melvin, Ill., received the 2018 Honored Alumnus Award. Wilson graduated from the John Deere Tech program in 1995 and continued to be a strong supporter of Lake Land by employing multiple students each year. Wilson served on the John Deere advisory council for eight years and provided valuable insight into the success of the program.

“On my very first day of class, my instructor Ken Drollinger told me that I was going to be a professionally trained John Deere technician after this and that I should be treated as such. For a young man who thought all he would ever be was a mechanic, it made me feel special, like I could do anything,” Wilson said during his speech.

Other students recognized at the banquet were as follows:

The Outstanding Agriculture Division Student Award for 2017-2018

Maddison Taylor Caldwell, Elmwood, Illinois

Recognized for Agriculture Business and Supply were:

Alex Flach, Montrose, High GPA

Emma Repking, Effingham, Outstanding Student

Recognized for Agriculture Production and Management were:

Hunter Flach, Montrose, High GPA

Zackery Schumaker, Sweet Springs, West Virginia, Outstanding Student

Recognized for Agriculture Power Technology were:

Brandon Knowles, Marshall, High GPA

Jackson Utsler, Mattoon, Outstanding Student

Recognized for the John Deere Tech program were:

Riley Reynolds, Mount Zion, High GPA

Jordan Stewart, Williamsfield, Outstanding Student

Recognized for the Horticulture program were:

Brandon Brinkley, Chrisman, High GPA and Outstanding Student

Recognized in the Agriculture Transfer program were:

Stacey Smithenry, Newton, High GPA

Kacie Haag, Emington, Outstanding Student