Francisco Garcia, a senior at the College of DuPage majoring in business management with an emphasis in horticulture, was named this year’s Kevin Kehoe Leader of the Year Award recipient at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated strong leadership within their academic community, has a passion for helping others, and serves as an outstanding example to other students preparing for a career in landscaping, lawn care, or related field.
While at school, Garcia started his own company, Chicago St. Sunflower Co., based in Elgin, Illinois, which focuses on sustainable landscapes, market garden produce, and interior plants. He says after earning his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue a master’s in business administration in agribusiness or a green industry-related field.
Garcia says he plans to continue running his business, volunteering and participating in community service.
How did you become interested in majoring in something related to the landscape industry?
I became interested in majoring in something related to the landscape industry once I saw how many opportunities there were within the field. I’ve always had a passion for nature and art, and the landscape industry has allowed me to find creative outlets in much of my work. Whether it’s floral design, interior plantscapes, or landscape design, there’s an artful way of going about it. Artistic expression coupled with stewardship of natural areas is something that I find very rewarding.
Why do you go out of your way to help your fellow students?
I go out of my way to help fellow students because that’s just who I am and how I was raised. My parents, coaches, and mentors instilled that everyone has something to offer and contribute. As the oldest of four boys, I always tried to make sure my brothers were taken care of and were content. I also try to help my fellow students because I believe we’re all working to make the world a better place, and that by helping others we can do that sooner rather than later. I really enjoy bringing out the best in people.
Are you familiar with Kevin Kehoe’s legacy?
What I know about Kevin I learned from his book, “One Hit Wonder: The Real-Life Adventures of an Average Guy and the Lessons He Learned Along the Way.” The impact he had on the industry is nothing short of tremendous, and I often hear the words, “Aspire, we all use it,” from industry professionals across the board.
His business ventures and accomplishments are incredible, but what has resonated with me the most is the way his friends and peers speak about him. Every person I talk with has spoken highly of his character and how much of an impact he had on their lives. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Kevin; I wish I could have met him.
What does it mean to be named the Kevin Kehoe Student Leader of the Year?
Being named the Kevin Kehoe Student Leader of the Year is a tremendous honor. At last year’s NCLC awards ceremony, I made it a goal of mine to pursue this award through my education, work, and community service. To receive the award is truly meaningful to me, especially considering the vast number of highly qualified students we have in programs across the nation. It is the most meaningful achievement I’ve earned in my college experience, and to accept the award with my friends, mentors, and peers in attendance made it that much more special.
How does this scholarship help you?
This scholarship and the other NALP scholarships have helped me tremendously. Receiving these scholarships really makes everything I do possible. Since the financial burden of higher education is lessened, I can spend more time on extracurricular activities, volunteering and community service, building my business, and it allows me to spend more time in my work roles that I enjoy. My business is in its third year and is growing steadily.
This past year, I was offered an adjunct position at the College of DuPage, and this is a goal I’ve been working toward, so I am excited to be back. I also work as an educator for The Conservation Foundation and Friends of the Fox River, where I focus on community education. My volunteer roles include the NALP Latino Landscapes Advisory Board, the Elgin Sustainability Commission, the Shared Harvest Co-op Board of Directors, and a few others. I’m able to have an impact at the local, state, and national level, and I wouldn’t be able to serve in these roles if it weren’t for the support of the foundation.
Do you have anything you’d like to say to those who donated to the NALP Foundation to make this scholarship possible?
I’d like to thank all NALP Foundation donors for their contributions and generosity. These scholarships truly are what allow me to excel in my higher learning endeavors, work life, and community service. Additionally, these scholarships have helped propel me to reach my goals sooner.
My accomplishments through NALP have undoubtedly played a role in my professional development. These scholarships also have a ripple effect; I am able to inspire others to put in a little extra work because it’s worth it, and I can show them with proof that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
This article was published in the July/August issue of the magazine. To read more stories from The Edge magazine, click here to subscribe to the digital edition.
