Wine Certificate Scholarship

Kiley is one of the level 1 Sommeliers at Casa Bovina Lincoln, NE. With an infectious passion for exploring the world of grapes and vines, Kiley has a knack for discovering hidden gems and savoring the finest of flavors. When not drinking wine, talking about wine or studying wine, Kiley enjoys watching horror movies, reading a variety of books, cross stitching and spending time with her fiancé, 3 dogs, and 2 lizards.

Sydney was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and has been here her whole life with the exception of a 6 year stint in Chicago, where she fell in love with wine. In Chicago, she worked at a neighborhood wine shop and got her WSET 2. Currently, she manages Corkscrew Wine & Cheese in Blackstone, and can’t wait to continue her wine education. 

Jillian has worked in the service industry since the age of 16, spending the last nine years in fine dining—where her love for wine first began. She has been steadily cultivating her knowledge and appreciation for wine ever since. Over the past two years, her life has grown in new and meaningful ways, including getting married and welcoming her son. She feels fortunate to work at Corkscrew Wine & Cheese, where continuing education and building lasting guest relationships are deeply valued. Earning her Introductory Sommelier Certificate is an important step toward providing exceptional service for years to come.

Trace began working in restaurants at 16 and discovered a passion for fermentation while studying Food Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, with a focus on mycology and fermentation. After college, he combined these interests by working in craft beer before transitioning to wine at Wine Beer and Spirits, where he spent two years exploring wines from around the world. In 2023, he joined Good Life Provisions as a sales representative, working with small craft producers of beer and wine. His long-term goal is to one day produce his own wine or import exceptional bottles into the U.S.

Jay has long been fascinated by wine—the terroir, history, and shared experiences drew him in long before he was old enough to drink it. While building a career in the A/E/C industry, he remained a serious wine hobbyist for nearly two decades before pursuing formal education through the Court of Master Sommeliers. In April 2024, he earned his Certified Sommelier pin and now occasionally lends his expertise to private events, educational seminars, and cellar consulting. Jay is Vice President of Strategic Accounts at AOI Corp and actively serves on nonprofit and education boards focused on community development and workforce training.