Kaylynn Wilhelm, of Enon, Ohio, has been named a 2026 Outstanding Senior by the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership at The Ohio State University. Wilhelm, along with 12 other seniors, were selected by the faculty and staff of the department for her excellence both in and out of the classroom.
“These 13 students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to the agricultural industry throughout their time at Ohio State,” said Dr. Shannon Washburn, professor and chair of the department. “Being named an ACEL Outstanding Senior is a testament to their hard work and the impact they have made on our department and beyond.”
Wilhelm majors in agriscience education and minors in production agriculture. As an agriscience education major, Wilhelm has taken courses in welding, plant systems, youth development, animal sciences and more. Outside of the classroom, Wilhelm has been involved in the Agricultural Education Society, CFAES Student Council, CFAES Student Ambassador program and served as a CFAES Peer Mentor.
Wilhelm also completed two internships during her time at Ohio State. Her internship with Grow Next Gen allowed her to work on creating meaningful activities centered around soybeans across the state of Ohio. While interning with the National FFA Organization she had the opportunity to facilitate the Washington Leadership Conference where students from across the United States came to Washington DC to develop as leaders and create a plan to give back to their communities.
“I chose my major because of my agriculture educator, Mrs. Casto. I was able to combine my passion for agriculture and education in one,” Wilhelm said.
She will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. Following graduation, Wilhelm plans to enroll in graduate school to earn her Masters in agricultural education. She is a graduate of Greenon High School and the daughter of Debra McClure and Christopher Wilhelm.
The agriscience education major at Ohio State prepares its students you to acquire a license to teach agricultural science in secondary high schools in Ohio and across the country, with extensive training in agricultural science, educational psychology, instructional methods, and youth development. For additional information on the agriscience education major, visit acel.osu.edu or call 614.247.6358.
Contact: Emily Wickham (614) 247-6358 wickham.24@osu.edu for media inquiries