WCIA 3’s Jacob Dickey to be honored with statewide award

Simmy Wood
·2 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — One of WCIA 3’s most beloved meteorologists, Jacob Dickey, has been chosen by the Illinois Jaycees as one of 10 honorees for The Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois award program.

Each year, the Illinois Jaycees honor young Illinoisans who excel in their endeavors and are deeply involved in their communities. The 31-year-old Dickey is to be recognized in the “Personal improvement and/or accomplishment” category.

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Dickey hails from Gibson City. He is a 2015 University of Illinois alum, earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences education. He also earned a secondary teaching license, learning skills that he now uses to teach a weather class at Parkland College and speak to school groups, civic organizations, and classrooms, including Young Farmers and Ranchers.

After continuing his education at Mississippi State University, Dickey finished his master’s degree in professional meteorology with a broadcast emphasis. He has since returned to Champaign-Urbana alongside his wife, Amy.

Jacob Dickey has built a strong connection to Central Illinois and its communities, both in-person and through the television screen. On top of his up-to-date Channel 3 weather reports, Dickey is also known for hosting Ag in the Classroom, On The Road with Jacob, Community College Connections, Ask Your Meteorologist, and Cooking Up A Storm segments.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as one of The Outstanding Young Person of Illinois award,” Dickey said. “I think I have the best job in the world and love getting to use my platform to connect the communities I serve closer together. From the weather to education and spotlighting the work of businesses and organizations in our region, Central Illinois is an incredible place to be. I’m thankful that I get to do the career I grew up dreaming about every single day.”

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Dickey joins fellow Central Illinois honorees Haley A. Wilson of Springfield and Erin Burneson of Williamsville.

Wilson is to be recognized for “Cultural achievement.” Through her organization, The Culture Experience LLC, she helps people learn new skills and experiences within community spaces where they may be underrepresented.

Burneson has earned recognition in the “Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership” category. She is the founder of BHAYLI, a Women’s Livelihood Project in rural India, a creative consulting company called Studio Rachanā, and co-founder of Pranām Collaborative Learning Services.

“The Illinois Jaycees is proud to honor young active citizens for their accomplishments and contributions to their communities. I am confident our TOYP honorees will inspire young people throughout the state,” said Andi Whalen, 93rd President of the Illinois Jaycees.

Jacob Dickey and the nine other honorees will be recognized on April 27 at an awards banquet in East Peoria. For more information, visit www.illinoisjaycees.com/toyp-2024.

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