The Edge July/August 2025

THE NALP EXPERIENCE

Francisco Garcia Named Kevin Kehoe Student Leader of the Year

By Jill Odom

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.

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. 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 busi ness 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 charac ter 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 ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH KEVIN KEHOE’S LEGACY?

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

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 stu dents preparing for a career in landscap ing, 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

38 The Edge // July/August 2025