Rhianna Aeschlimann has been recognized as the Mt. Markham Optimist Club 8th Grade Youth of the Month for February. She is the daughter of Oliver and Shauna Aeschlimann of Frankfort, NY.
During her time in middle school, Rhianna has participated in ski club, modified basketball, and modified field hockey, where she served as a captain. She is an active member of the Junior FFA club, currently leading the club as president, and also holds the position of secretary for the National Junior Honor Society.
Rhianna has participated in Jr. Extemporaneous Speaking Leadership Development events and competed in the Jr. Quiz Bowl Career Development event at the New York State Convention. Additionally, she is involved in various FFA programs, including Courtesy Crops, Horticulture ID, Poultry Evolution, and Horse Evolution, and has assisted with numerous fundraisers for FFA.
Her involvement in FFA and the AFNR Agriculture class has earned her many accolades. She has won the NY FFA Courtesy Crops award, first place in the NYFFA Jr. Poultry Evaluation team, achieved third place in the NY FFA Jr. Horse Evaluation Team, and first place in the NY Jr. Horticulture ID, along with second place in the individual Horticulture ID.
Rhianna’s achievements in FFA have also resulted in her receiving the Mt. Markham Jr. FFA Scholarship award. Academically, she has consistently made the Gold Honor Roll and received the MMTA Award for having the highest math average.
Outside of school, Rhianna is a member of the New Hartford Skating Club for Figure Skating and attends the West Brookfield Community Church. Rhianna is very involved in community service events both in and out of school, including volunteering at the West Winfield Fall Family Festival, collecting food for the Mt. Markham canned food drive, and helping pack Christmas Samaritan boxes for her community.
Rhianna plans to attend college for Plant Biology. After college, she would like to return to her family farm and manage the crop side of the business.