Kaskaskia College Agriculture Program Hosts Annual Agriculture Banquet Supporting Student Leadership and Professional Development

CENTRALIA, IL - The Kaskaskia College Agriculture Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau recently hosted their annual Agriculture Banquet, bringing together students, alumni, and community supporters to celebrate student achievements and raise funds for professional development opportunities in the agriculture program.

The student organizations provide Kaskaskia College agriculture students with opportunities for networking, leadership development, and community service. Through the club's affiliation with the Illinois Farm Bureau, students gain exposure to key issues facing the agriculture industry while building leadership skills for their future careers.

Kaskaskia College is also home to one of the largest Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) chapters in Illinois, giving students opportunities to test their agricultural knowledge and skills through competitions at both the state and national levels.

Funds raised during the banquet support student participation in Illinois Farm Bureau leadership training, the Illinois PAS Conference, and the National PAS Conference, experiences that enhance classroom instruction while helping students grow both personally and professionally. Final totals are still being finalized, but early estimates indicate the event will generate more than $9,000 in support of student development.

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize several outstanding students and supporters of the program. Rachel Donoho was honored as the Outstanding Student in the Associate in Applied Science in Agriculture program, while Katelyn Klipp received recognition as the Outstanding Student in Agriculture Transfer.

In addition, Linda Still, Administrative Assistant for Career and Technical Education at Kaskaskia College, received the Agriculture Club Service Award in recognition of her dedicated support of the agriculture program and its students. Still, who has served the College for more than 20 years, will retire on June 30, 2026.

The annual banquet also serves as an opportunity to celebrate the strong network of alumni and community supporters who continue to contribute to the program's success.

"The Agriculture Banquet is an opportunity for our agriculture community to come together in fellowship while celebrating the achievements of our students," said KC Professor of Agriculture Aaron Heinzmann, Ed.D. "Our students represent the future of the agriculture industry, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support that helps provide the leadership and professional experiences that prepare them for success."

Professor Heinzmann also expressed appreciation for the strong network of alumni and local supporters who continue to invest in the program and its students, helping sustain opportunities that develop the next generation of agriculture leaders.