2012 Youth Scholarship Award Recepients

2012 North Carolina Association of County Agricultural

Agents Association (NCACAA) Youth Scholarship Award Winners

Submitted By: Tiffanee Conrad-Acuña, NCACAA Youth Scholarship Committee Chair

The North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents Association proudly announces Jacob Rucker, Jean Skelton, and Shayna Vance as the 2012 youth scholarship award winners. The scholarship award is being presented to 3 most deserving students who have exhibited excellence in leadership and community service. North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents established this $1000 scholarship to three member or life members’ children or grandchildren to aid them with tuition at any University of their choice.

Jacob Rucker is the son of Phil and Jennie Rucker from Yadkin County. His sister, Amanda Rae won the scholarship last year.. Jacob will be studying Criminal Justice at Campbell University in the fall. Jacob said that at first he wanted to be a farmer since he’s been around agriculture his whole life and he loves to eat, but more recently he has decided to study criminal justice and minor in Army ROTC. He realizes that many inmates in the prison system today have learning disabilities and have never been able to get an education. He would like to help them to get an education so that they have a hope for their future. When asked how his Agent father, Phil Rucker has impacted his life, he says, “My Dad has been a great role model for me. He has shown me how to work hard, how to work with animals, and to help other people. My Dad has taught me a lot about farming. When I grow up, I would like to have my own farm and the many things that he taught me will help me in the future. When I was little, I used to want to be an Extension Agent just like him, but now that my career choice has changed, he still supports me and pushes me to be the best that I can be.

Jean Skelton: Photo Not Available

Jean Skelton is the daughter of Bill and Mary Skelton from Haywood County. She will study Biology at UNC Chapel Hill in the fall. She chose her field of study because science has always been intriguing for her. When asked how her Agent father, Bill Skelton has impacted her life, she says, “Both of my parents have modeled a life that values service, doing the best you can, and getting a good education. From my earliest years, I remember being read to, and once starting school having experiences that reinforced what I was learning. I most remember my father working to achieve and obtaining his Doctoral degree. Watching him work on that goal illustrated in a greater way than anything else could have, the value he placed on education. Additionally, Mom and Dad were both always there for me, at awards ceremonies, at sporting events, at birthday parties, and the times when I had not succeeded and needed to know I was still loved and valued.

Shayna Vance is the daughter of Jeff and Sharon Vance from Mitchell County. She will study Biology at Wingate University in the fall. She plans to get a doctorate in pharmacy, because science and the medical field have always been interesting to her. Agriculture is also a big passion of hers. She has worked a lot with plants and biotechnology in the lab at her high school. She and a team of 3 other students constructed a micro- propagation lab at the school where she learned to mix chemicals. When asked how her Agent father, Jeff Vance has impacted her life, she says, “My father has shown me the importance of hard work, patience, and what it means to enjoy your career. He is the hardest worker I know and gives his all to his job, even when there are many extra hours involved. My father truly enjoys agriculture and helping people. The people of Mitchell County trust, respect and value him. Because he enjoys what he does, he looks forward to going to work each day. As I watch how he interacts with people, I find myself desiring to have that same impact on the people I encounter. Giving your best in everything you do is a philosophy he lives by, and one that he has engrained in me. In addition, he is the most patient person I know. Dad does not get shaken over anything. He handles every situation very calmly. Patience has become a character trait that I value greatly due to his constant example.