10/08/2026
Wednesday was one of those days that reminds me why I love this Teen Leadership program so much.
We officially kicked off our first full day of PCBC Teen Leadership Development, and what better way to begin than with Agriculture Day!
Our 41 students spent the day learning that agriculture is so much more than tractors in a field. It is science, business, food, communication, technology, hospitality, marketing, leadership, and so many careers our students may never have considered.
A huge thank you to our incredible sponsors, Food + Farm Exploration Center and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, for helping make this day possible. And an extra thank you to Bobbi Kubish, Education Director at Food + Farm, who went above and beyond to help create such a thoughtful and engaging day for our students. The day truly would not have been the same without the extra hands and heart behind it.
We started the morning with Tool Time, a new piece I’ve woven into each Teen Leadership day. Students tackled some real-life situations that can be awkward, uncomfortable or just plain difficult. They worked in small groups, talked through different perspectives and came up with possible solutions. The goal isn't always to find the “right” answer. It’s learning how to communicate, listen, problem-solve and navigate situations they will inevitably face in life.
Bobbi opened their eyes to the incredible variety of careers in agriculture. Chef Davy then took us from farm to plate, showing students just how many people, skills and steps are involved in getting food onto our tables. Thank you for the potato chip cookies! Yum!!
Then came a little friendly competition! Students worked in teams to create a mashed potato product, identify their target audience and figure out how they would market and sell it. Watching them take an everyday food and turn it into a product with a customer, story and strategy was pretty fun to watch.
A big thank you to Jenn Scott, Education Outreach Manager, for creating a breakout-box challenge that had students working together, following clues and navigating their way through the Exploration Center.
We also had the opportunity to visit the greenhouse with Larry Isensee, Farm Manager, and learn more about plants and what goes into growing the food we enjoy.
We also were able to hear from WI Potato & Vegetable Growers Association’s, Dana Rady, Communications Director. And I was especially grateful to have two Leadership Portage County alumni join us for the day, Mo Vanderhei and Amy Leland. Having alumni come back and invest their time in the next generation means more than they probably realize. Thank you
We wrapped up the day with Ted Melby from Mid-State Technical College, digging into leadership traits and behaviors and challenging students to think about the kind of leader they want to become.
And that’s really what this program is about. It is not just learning about our community or careers, but learning about themselves. It is how they show up, how they work with others, how they handle challenges and how they can make a difference wherever life takes them.
Day one was pretty special. And if this is any indication of what’s ahead, I have a feeling this group is going to do some amazing things.
So proud of these 41 students and so grateful for the people who showed up to help them learn, grow and see what is possible.
Stevens Point Area Public School District, Pacelli Catholic Schools, Rosholt School District, Almond-Bancroft School District, Tomorrow River School District, Tri County Public Schools
