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Western Illinois University senior Samantha Martin is the 2016 winner of the Illinois Agri-Women Scholarship. Martin (Hardin, IL), who is studying agriculture education in the WIU School of Agriculture, received a monetary award to help further her education, and she has been invited to attend the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference in March. The award is sponsored by the Illinois Agri-Women organization.
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WIU Ag Ed Major Selected as Illinois Agri-Women Scholarship Winner

November 9, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University senior Samantha Martin is the 2016 winner of the Illinois Agri-Women Scholarship. Martin (Hardin, IL), who is studying agriculture education in the WIU School of Agriculture, received a monetary award to help further her education, and she has been invited to attend the Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference in March. The award is sponsored by the Illinois Agri-Women organization.

WIU School of Agriculture Director Andy Baker told Martin—who is currently completing her student teaching experience at Pittsfield (IL) High School—about the scholarship opportunity, which is awarded annually to a female college senior studying agriculture education in Illinois.

"Samantha has been an active member of Sigma Alpha, the Collegiate FFA, Postsecondary Agricultural Student (PAS) and the Ag Ed Club as a student at Western Illinois University. She has also participated in many different professional-development activities, which have molded her into the educator she is today," Baker said. "Samantha is a deserving candidate for this recognition, as she has dedicated many hours developing her own teaching methodologies and strategies as an educator. She is also a great reflection of the students in the agricultural education program at WIU through her dedication and commitment to the profession."

According to Martin, she was also very involved in extracurricular ag activities while in high school.

"I have always been interested in ag and enjoyed the chances to help relatives with their farming chores when I could while growing up. I attended Calhoun High School, where I was very active in the FFA program, and I held officer positions at my chapter for three years, the highest of which was vice president during my senior year. Also during my senior year, I was the Section 13 Sentinel," she explained. "After I graduated, I got involved with my local FFA Alumni chapter until I came to WIU."

Martin said Christie Joehl, her high school ag teacher and FFA advisor, inspired her motivation and passion for working in agriculture.

"She is a woman who strives for excellence and works diligently to not disappoint," Joehl said in story about Martin's scholarship award on the Morning Ag Clips (see www.morningagclips.com/illinois-agri-women-scholarship-winners/).

Martin said she chose to attend Western because both her mother and aunt attended WIU.

"It was also close to home and has a small campus, which are both important to me. When I had the opportunity to visit campus before I enrolled, I knew it was for me," added Martin, who plans to work in agriculture education after her graduation in December.

Baker added that Martin also has the support of her mentoring teacher at Pittsfield High School.

"Ms. Jody Heavner is a wonderful role model for Samantha as she progresses through her degree program while pursuing her Illinois teaching license," he noted.

For more information, contact Baker at (309) 298-1080 or via email at AJ-Baker@wiu.edu. Learn more about the WIU School of Ag at www.wiu.edu/ag, and visit the Illinois Agri-Women organization online at www.illinoisagriwomen.org/.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing