Geneseo High School honored a group of aspiring educators from the Class of 2026 on Tuesday, recognizing students who participated in the district’s “Grow Your Own” program, an initiative designed to encourage local students to return home as future teachers.
“First and foremost, I want to say thank you to our students,” said Geneseo High School’s Mike Harrington, a longtime educator who teaches the Grow Your Own students in their Introduction to Education class. “Every Tuesday and Thursday of this entire school year, they have been in our school district, mainly at the elementary level with some at the junior high level, working with our students on a daily basis.”
Harrington added, “There are a lot of things that students can pursue in their senior year, but for this group to embrace the opportunity and take time out of their lives every week to try to make a difference in the lives of younger kids, I think, is remarkable. I cannot say thank you enough.”
This year’s Grow Your Own scholarship recipients, along with the colleges they will attend, include:
Ava Brewer — Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Liberty Brumbaugh — Olivet Nazarene University
Jack Cooper — Illinois State University
Tyler Dowdal — Western Illinois University
Freddy Jimenez — Western Illinois University
Erik Kelly — Augustana College
Peyton Kies — Iowa State University
Katherine Lehman — University of Northern Iowa
Emma Massingill — Southern Utah University
Jackie Miller — Augustana College
Geneseo Superintendent Dr. Laura Delgado spoke about the program at the high school’s recent local scholarships night, praising them for their ambition and commitment to education.
“We talk a lot about preparing students to leave us and find their way in the world,” Delgado noted. “But the Grow Your Own program is designed to help that talent find its way back home. The best future educators for our district are often sitting right here in our own classrooms. By providing our seniors with hands-on field experience and mentorship from our veteran staff, we aren’t just teaching a curriculum, we are nurturing a legacy.”
The Grow Your Own program began in the spring of 2023 after district leaders recognized the value of cultivating educators from within Geneseo’s classrooms. Students in the program spend the school year observing classes, assisting teachers, and learning firsthand about the challenges and rewards of modern education.
“This is a group of students who looked at the challenges of modern education and said, ‘I want to be part of the solution,’” said Delgado.
As graduation nears for Geneseo’s Class of 2026, Harrington urged seniors to pause and reflect on the impact they’ve made while participating in the program.
“I understand the importance of thinking ahead this time of year, but what I would like for the students in our Introduction to Education classroom is to look back,” Harrington told the students. “Look back over this year and look back at all those moments that you were part of in those classrooms making a difference in young people's lives.”
Harrington continued, “The one thing that I've learned time and time again in this life is that you will be remembered far more often for the actions you do for others than for yourself. Pursuing teaching is a life of selfless actions and looking out for the needs of others rather than yourself. So thank you so much.”
As part of the program, each student received a $500 scholarship funded through the Geneseo Education Foundation, which has been a generous and reliable supporter of the district for over the last three and a half decades. Beyond financial assistance, Delgado emphasized that the Grow Your Own scholarships represent the district’s long-term investment in future educators.
“The scholarships are more than just financial support,” said Delgado. “They represent a promise. They represent guaranteed student-teaching placement, a covered paraprofessional fee, and a guaranteed interview when you hold that degree in your hand.”
The district hopes the initiative will help build a pipeline of future teachers who already understand the values and culture of the Geneseo community.
“We don’t just want these students to succeed in college,” said Delgado. “We want them to come back and inspire the next generation of Geneseo students.”
“In four years, when you graduate with an education degree, don't forget about us,” said Harrington. “If you come back to us, I promise you will find a very rewarding job with a caring staff, and more importantly, fantastic students that you can build an impression upon. You can leave your legacy over and over and over again.”
Ava Brewer, who will be attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Liberty Brumbaugh, who will be attending Olivet Nazarene University
Jack Cooper, who will be attending Illinois State University
Freddy Jimenez, who will be attending Western Illinois University
Erik Kelly, who will be attending Augustana College
Peyton Kies, who will be attending Iowa State University
Katherine Lehman, who will be attending the University of Northern Iowa
Emma Massingill, who will be attending Southern Utah University
Jackie Miller, who will be attending Augustana College