Growing a Future, Starting with Soil

In her graduation speech last May, Riley Rickard shared how taking an out-of-the-box approach has repeatedly benefitted her, such as her parents’ decision to enroll her at PA Cyber and her decision to sell organic produce and compost after graduation. Ever since she was little, Riley has worked on the family farm, which dates back to her great-grandparents. The 6-acre property in Erie County is now owned by Riley's parents.

Riley was nervous to tell others about her post-graduation plans because she felt she was taking a non-traditional route by not attending college. “I got some mixed responses from different people, but for the most part, I was surprised at how supportive everyone was. I'm excited for my future. Being able to work alongside [my parents] and even build upon their businesses with my own ideas is a really awesome opportunity.”

At her former brick-and-mortar school, Riley was falling behind because of a chronic health condition. Riley’s parents heard about PA Cyber from a local family, so they enrolled her in sixth grade. “When I was at a low point with my health issues,” she said, “I could stay in bed without missing a day of school. On my best days, I could work ahead … I couldn’t imagine attending school anywhere else.”

Riley will be taking away from her education a sense of independence and a growth mindset. “My teachers talked about this growth mindset, meaning every time you fail or do something wrong, it's not bad. It helps you learn and get better.”

We know Riley’s future will be fruitful because she’s not afraid to follow her own path. While tending the family farm may seem unconventional, it is deeply rooted in tradition—just like PA Cyber.

Riley wants her farm to eventually include animals, an orchard, bee hives, and more varieties of produce.