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Geauga County Farm Bureau would like to honor its 2025 scholarship recipients.

Rachel O’Reilly is the daughter of Kevin and Amy O’Reilly of Middlefield and receives a $1,500 scholarship. She is a 2022 graduate of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin and is currently attending The Ohio State University, majoring in agribusiness and applied economics. Rachel has been active in the Agribusiness Club, Saddle and Sirloin Club, Agriculture Systems Management Club, and is a College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Living Learning Community member. Rachel volunteers with Farm Bureau at the county fair and has served as a Young Ag representative at Ag Day at the Capital. She hopes to use her education to manage her family farm and wants to raise her own herd of commercial/show cattle. 

Garrett Hastings is the son of Lad and Brenda Hastings of Chardon and receives a $1,000 scholarship. He is a 2021 graduate of Berkshire High School and is currently attending The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, majoring in veterinary medicine. Garrett has been active in three clubs during Vet School. He plans to work solely with food animals, primarily with a dairy cattle focus.

Taylor Poff is the daughter of Rick and Kim Poff of Chardon and receives a $750 scholarship. She is a 2025 graduate of Chardon High School and Lakeland Community College, where she completed an associate of arts degree. She has been involved in the National Society of Leadership and Success and has 4-H. Taylor and her sister Tatumn have been heavily involved in the beef cattle industry showing cattle and serving as mentors to many across the state. Taylor is the BEST representative for the Ohio Cattleman’s Association and serves as the Public Relations Chair for the New Ohio Cattleman’s Association Youth Council.  Taylor will be attending The Ohio State University, pursuing a degree in agriculture. 

Brittany Adams is the daughter of Mark and Tina Adams of Chardon. She receives a $750 scholarship. She is a 2021 graduate of Chardon High School and currently attends Akron University, majoring in nursing. While at Akron, Brittany was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and has made the dean’s list five semesters in a row. She has been active in her community for many years and most recently planned and executed a “Prince and Princess for a Day” program at the fair.  Brittany is active in Farm Bureau and is a trustee on the county board. She loves inspiring youth to get involved with agriculture.

Tatumn Poff is the daughter of Rick and Kim Poff of Chardon and receives a $500 Scholarship. She is a 2025 graduate of Chardon High School and Lakeland Community College, where she completed an associate of arts degree. Tatumn was active in Junior Leaders, National Honor Society, and 4-H.  Tatumn and her sister Taylor also participated in the Ohio Youth Capital Challenge,  a program that gives teens the chance to get involved and have a hands-on experience that will enable them to make their communities a better place. Delegates work in their assigned delegate teams over the course of a few months to develop a public policy issue and proposed solution, and prepare a presentation for a public hearing.  Tatumn also enjoys graphic design and photography and started her own business, Route Sx Creatives.  Tatumn will be attending The Ohio State University this fall, pursuing a degree in agriculture.

Dennis Bergansky is the son of Dennis and Kathleen Bergansky of Chagrin Falls. He is the recipient of a $500 scholarship. He is a 2021 graduate of Kenston High School and is currently attending Kent State University, majoring in early childhood education. He has been involved in 4-H for the past 12 years, volunteered for the Geauga Hunger Task Force, nursing homes, and food drives. He has also helped out with sports camps at Kenston.  Dennis has volunteered at the county fair with Farm Bureau and also at the NE Counties Farm Bureau Kids Ag Adventure Club at our Farm Conference.  Dennis hopes to use his education to inspire others as he teaches students about STEM and agriculture.

Congratulations Rachel, Garrett, Taylor, Brittany, Tatumn, and Dennis!  We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!