Article

The Geauga County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees would like to honor their 2022 scholarship recipients: Rachel O’Reilly, John Patterson, Michael Soltis and Claire Suszynski.

Rachel O’Reilly is the daughter of Kevin and Amy O’Reilly of Middlefield. She is a recent graduate of Notre Dame – Cathedral Latin and will be attending the Ohio State University, majoring in agribusiness and applied economics. Rachel has been active on the Student Activities Board, Mu Alpha Theta Math Club, a NASPA Certified Peer Educator, a Student Ambassador, Cornhole Club and Outdoor Track & Field. She has shown animals on the Ohio Cattleman’s Association BEST Show Circuit, is 2021-22 president of the Jr. Fair Board, member of the Flockmaster’s 4-H Club, 2021-22 Jr. Leaders president, along with many other various 4-H activities and is a member of St. Helen Church, Life Teen Youth Group. She has also received a number of honors, awards and recognition in school, 4-H and Beef Showmanship. Rachel is looking forward to her life-long goal of attending the Ohio State University this upcoming fall semester.

John Patterson is the son of Dave and Pam Patterson of Chesterland. He will be a sophomore at Edinboro University majoring in secondary education- Biology. John’s activities at Edinboro include member of EU Triathlon Club, member of the Edinboro University Honors College, part of the Honors Pen Pal program and a member of the Edinboro University Student Government.  He has received the President’s Excellence Award, the Honors College Scholarship and the College of Education Dean’s list. John is interested in the production of fruits and vegetables, particularly tree fruits and he also wants to educate the next generation in agriculture-related subjects.

Michael Soltis is the son of Michael and Monique Soltis of Middlefield. He is a recent graduate of Cardinal High School. He will be attending college this fall majoring in agriculture. Michael was the captain of the football team and received three all conference, two all district and two all Ohio offensive lineman honors. In track he was a two-time indoor state qualifier in shot put, indoor state qualifier in the weight throw, conference champion in shot put, and regional qualifier in shot put and discus. He also holds the indoor record for shot put and weight throw. In 4-H he won three grand, two reserve champion, and three showmanship awards in different animal species. Michael also received two awards for leadership/community service through 4-H. Michael hopes to eventually take over the family farm and help Ohio’s largest industry continue to progress. 

Claire Suszynski is the daughter of Todd and Holly Suszynski of Chardon. She is a recent graduate of Chardon High School and will be attending West Virginia University majoring in animal and nutritional sciences. Claire was active in Varsity Volleyball, AFS, Freshman Mentoring, Student Executive Council and a member of the National Honor Society.  She received the President’s Award, WRC Scholar-Athlete, Topper Club Academic Letter and is a three-year Varsity Volleyball letter winner. Claire has also volunteered at her church, with United Way and with the elementary schools with school volunteering through NHS. Claire is interested in learning more about agriculture and wildlife.

Congratulations, Rachel, John, Michael and Claire. “Best of Luck” in your future endeavors!