Wilcox native is Aggie of the Month

Dec. 31, 2018                                                      

By Mary Crawford, NCTA News

CURTIS, Neb. – Agriculture education and agribusiness management are dual majors for the Aggie of the Month in December at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

Paige Twohig, a second-year student from Wilcox, was selected by faculty and staff to represent the college as the Aggie of December, said NCTA Dean Ron Rosati.

She is an NCTA Student Ambassador, and is active in student organizations of Women in Ag, Collegiate Cattlemen, Collegiate 4-H and FFA, and in the academic honorary Phi Theta Kappa.

She also was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll for the fall semester.

“My plans are to complete my two associate degrees at NCTA in May of 2020, then transfer to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for two years to earn my bachelors of science,” Twohig said.

“I hope to work in Nebraska Extension with 4-H and youth programs,” said the 12-year member of 4-H livestock programs in Kearney County.

Her mother, Kerri Twohig of Wilcox, also attended NCTA and graduated in 1998 with a major in agricultural production systems.

“I really had no clue what I wanted to do when I was in high school,” Paige admits.

A former instructor and mentor at Wilcox-Hildreth Public Schools encouraged her to pursue agricultural education.

“About two weeks before graduation, my mom and I went out to Curtis and I absolutely loved it,” Twohig says.

“This college has had a huge impact on me – I am from a small town,” she says, experiencing great friendliness after three semesters and a summer of living in Curtis.

“I love the small town and how down to earth everyone is. Everyone will help me if I need anything at all.”

Twohig worked in the NCTA Facilities Office for her business internship this past summer.

“And, I will always use the business background along with Ag Ed,” Twohig said, adding that her experience with livestock and work at her grandfather’s farm near Wilcox has influenced her.

Currently, she is a student worker for about 10 hours per week at NCTA.

“Paige is always willing to jump in and help any department that needs her,” her supervisor Randi Houghtelling wrote in Twohig’s Aggie of the Month nomination.

 "She is hardworking and always has a positive attitude. We have enjoyed her wit and dependable nature the past six months in the Facilities Office,” Houghtelling said.

Twohig is one of several students recognized as an Aggie of the Month during the 2018-2019 academic year. She will receive a certificate from the NCTA Dean’s Office.