Dillon Brownback of Parker said he has wanted to work for John Deere since he was in sixth grade.
“I’ve lived on a farm my whole life. I love those green tractors,” he said.
Now, he’ll get his chance thanks to a scholarship program from PrairieLand Partners.
Brownback is among three area high school students who received scholarships to attend Fort Scott Community College.
The three seniors were selected for PrairieLand Partners’ Technician Scholarship Program. Students earn a two-year scholarship at a community college or vocational school and a toolbox worth about $12,000. They’ll also work for Iola’s John Deere store during summers and for three years after they complete their education.
The students were recognized at a signing ceremony in Iola last week.
“We’re really pleased with the students we’ve got coming in this year,” Dale Lalman, store manager, said.
Brownback said he wants to explore all of his career options through John Deere, but is most interested in working in the shop or as a field technician.
“I’m not sure which one I’ll like best. I just like fixing things,” he said.
Grant Hegg of Burlington, also was selected for the program, said he enjoys fixing things.
“I just like getting my hands dirty,” he said.
Hegg said he is interested in pursuing a career as a diesel mechanic and visited Fort Scott and learned about the program.
“It fit me really well,” he said.
He also helps his grandfather farm and has been to Iola’s John Deere store many times.
Joe Schmidt, another member of the program and from Lawrence, said he learned about the scholarship opportunity during a visit to Allen Community College for an FFA competition during his junior year. He spoke with Jay Weseloh, service manager at the Iola store, who explained how the program works.
“I decided I wanted to do something mechanical and this opportunity came up,” Schmidt said.
He likes working with his hands, especially when it comes to working on cars.
