FREEPORT — Nine Highland Community College students headed out west for their spring break to compete at the 2025 National Professional Agriculture Student (PAS) Conference held March 17-20, 2025, at Sheridan College in Sheridan, Wyo.
“The trip started with a flight to Bozeman, Mont., where students enjoyed sightseeing and shopping. After a few hours in a rental van to reach the conference, our students got down to business and spent the next three days competing with 500 other college students from across the country,” said Justin Ebert, Highland Ag Club and PAS Advisor.
Students participated in 9 different competition areas, which concluded with an outstanding showing in the college quiz bowl. They celebrated with more sightseeing in the mountains and a steak dinner, followed by a safe return flight to Illinois.
Ebert said, “I am very proud of all the work the students put into their preparation for the competitions. The trip allowed them to network with other college students, refine their leadership and communication skills and explore the beauty of the American west.”
Congratulations to the following Highland Community College students:
Taylor Robinson, Lena, Ill.
National Champion: Agriculture Education Teaching Demonstration
National Champion: Agriculture Education Career Progress Project
Madison Simms, Monroe Center, Ill.
National Champion: Plant Systems Career Progress Project
8th Place: Agronomic Service Interview
Faith Ukena, Polo, Ill.
National Champion: Biotechnology Career Planning Project
National Runner-Up: Floriculture, Landscaping, and Nursery Interview
Lauren Witte, Freeport, Ill.
National Runner-Up: Agriculture Education Career Planning Project
5th Place: Ag Promotion and Marketing Project
Ty Spahn, Hanover, Ill.
National Runner-Up: Food Products and Processing Career Planning Project
National Runner-Up: Specialty Crop Interview
Hannah Beran, Dixon, Ill.
National Runner-Up: Ag Equipment Interview
5th Place: Plant Systems Career Planning Project
Rebekah Visel, Lena, Ill.
4th Place: Animal Systems Career Planning Project
11th Place: Ag Sales Interview
Aaliyah Whitney, Pearl City, Ill.
5th Place: Livestock and Dairy Interview
6th Place: Agribusiness Career Progress Project
Ali Danekas, Polo, Ill.
6th Place: Agribusiness Career Planning Project
6th Place: Agribusiness Administration Interview
Sheep/Goat Team – 5th Place
Witte -7th, Danekas -12th, Beran -16th
Dairy Team – 6th Place
Whitney-10th, Ukena -13th, Spahn -18th
Equine Team-9th Place
Visel -11th, Robinson -31st, Simms -39th
Highland Community College Agriculture would like to thank the administration, board, Foundation, Anthony Musso, Zachary Green, Hannah Slamp, parents, and the community for supporting both preparation for the conference and the trip itself.
The PAS Organization is a national student organization that provides opportunities for college agriculture students to experience individual growth, leadership, and career preparation through competition and cooperative activities. Launched in 1980, it includes students from 2-year and 4-year agriculture colleges from across the United States. For more information on the Highland Community College Agriculture Program or the PAS Organization, contact Justin Ebert at justin.ebert@highland.edu.