Farm broadcaster Rebel Sjeklocha of Hayes Center, Nebraska, was awarded the Glenn Kummerow Memorial Scholarship from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Foundation.
Sjeklocha, who joined the Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA) as an intern in the fall of 2019, conducts interviews, writes stories, creates digital content and co-hosts Friday Five for the Rural Radio Network.
“What an honor it is to stand among this talented group of young communicators and established industry leaders,” said Sjeklocha during her acceptance speech at the 2021 NAFB Convention. “Thank you to NAFB for your investment in me. I look forward to staying involved and serving the industry that has emboldened my love for agriculture and rural America.”
In addition to her internship role, she’s also the host of the Breaking the Barrier podcast.
She’s based out of the Nebraska Soybean Board Studios at Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln.
Sjeklocha grew up on a cow-calf operation near Hayes Center. Her mom, Susan, is a veterinarian and her dad, Rusty, owns a commercial hay grinding business.
In addition to her farm broadcasting duties, Sjeklocha is also a full-time student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and will graduate in December 2021. She studies Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication, with minors in Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship, Business Law and International Agriculture.
