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The Geauga County Farm Bureau would like to honor its 2023 scholarship recipients.

Brittany Adams is the daughter of Tina and Mark Adams. She receives a $750 scholarship. She is a 2021 graduate of Chardon High School and currently attends Lakeland Community College where she majors in nursing.  Brittany is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honors society and has made the dean’s list five semesters in a row.  Brittany 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 loves inspiring youth to get involved with agriculture.

Samantha Bergansky is the recipient of a $750 scholarship. Samantha is the daughter of Kathleen and Dennis Bergansky. She is a 2023 graduate of Kenston High School. She is planning to attend Duquesne University, majoring in health science and pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy. Samantha has been very active in the community.  Samantha served as a Lead Crew Member of the Bomber Bash leadership program, serves as a member of the Geauga County Hunger Task Force Junior Board, and has been an active member in 4-H.  Samantha is on the Junior Fair Board, and Junior Leaders and was the 2022 Geauga County Junior Fair Queen. Samantha’s dream is to get a Doctorate degree in physical therapy and to help those injured in agricultural activities,

Garrett Hastings is the son of Lad and Brenda Hastings and receives a $1,000 scholarship.  He is a 2021 graduate of Berkshire High School and is currently attending The Ohio State University, majoring in Animal Sciences. Garrett has been active in the Buckeye Dairy Club, accepted to the OSU Veterinary Early Commitment Program, belonged to the Geauga Dairymen 4-H Club for 10 years where he served as president, and will be attending veterinary school after completing his bachelor’s degree.

Rachel O’Reilly is the daughter of Amy and Kevin O’Reilly and receives a $1,000 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 Learning Community member. Rachel hopes to use her education to manage her family farm and wants to raise her own herd of commercial/show cattle. 

John Patterson is the son of Pam and Dave Patterson and receives a $750 scholarship.  He is a 2021 graduate of West Geauga High School and currently attends Edinboro University, majoring in biology. He is active as a representative in the college’s student government, a member of the EU Triathlon Club, and a member of the Edinboro University Honors College. John plans to use his education to learn as much as possible about the makeup of plants and chemistry used in agriculture with the hopes of working on and eventually running his family’s fruit farm.

Michael Soltis is the son of Monique and Michael Soltis and receives a $750 scholarship.  He graduated from Cardinal High School in 2022 and is attending Wilmington College, majoring in agribusiness/business administration. He is on the Wilmington College track and field team, as well as part of Wilmington College Aggies Collegiate 4-H, and Farmhouse fraternity. Michael is exploring the world of agriculture and learning the industry while pursuing his degree, with the end goal of taking over his family farm and making it his own. 

Congratulations Brittany, Samantha, Garrett, Rachel, John and Michael! We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!