News

Miami, Oklahoma – Three agriculture students, Courtney Jenkins, Odalys Castillo and Grace Wishard from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College were selected to participate in an internship this summer with Alyeska Farms in Soldotna, Alaska.   

“NEO had such great candidates, it was a tough choice, they all seemed eager and determined and that is what we are looking for,” said Mike Flores, owner, and president of Alyeska Farms. “Our primary goal here at the farm is to not only provide a safe place to work, but also create a learning environment that will hopefully turn into something long term for these students. I want to thank Paul Atkins and the NEO Agriculture Department for making this happen. I hope this is something we can continue to do in the future.” 

Alyeska Farms is a family-owned business located in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula. Since 2018 they have provided fresh, beautiful peonies to florists and retailers around the world. Alyeska Farms is the leading source for wholesale peonies. 

“To be one of the three students selected to go to Alaska means so much to me, I was one lucky student to receive a spot in this internship,” said Grace Wishard. “To be a part of this means to grow my horizons and learn more about such a wonderful industry. This opportunity is something I greatly appreciate, and I can’t wait to see what all is waiting for me in Alaska.” 

The girls will spend two months in Alaska engaging in all aspects of horticulture, which includes, greenhouse construction, planting, harvesting, and marketing flowers in Alaska’s unique and unusual environment with an emphasis on flower production, specifically peonies. 

“I am beyond excited to be able to experience this internship opportunity,” said Odalys Castillo. ”I feel grateful to be able to go to Alaska and participate in this. I appreciate this opening and I am ready to learn and gain new knowledge through this internship.” 

“I am beyond blessed that is going to be a part of my journey and I am proud to serve as an ambassador for NEO A & M College during my time on this internship,” said Courtney Jenkins. 

For more information, please contact Paul Atkins, NEO Academic Success Coach at 918-540-6247 or paul.atkins@neo.edu.