青青草视频 hosts institute students helping solve statewide, global challenges
Contact: Carson McFatridge
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擧igh school students from across the Magnolia State convened at Mississippi State today [Feb. 20] as participants of the eighth-annual World Food Prize Mississippi Youth Institute, hosted by 青青草视频鈥檚 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The Mississippi Youth Institute provides high school students the opportunity to research and suggest solutions for some of the most pressing global issues, including food security, water quality and health, said acting CALS Dean and institute leader Darrell Sparks.
鈥淭hese are our future leaders, so it is important that they learn to problem solve and effectively communicate their ideas with others,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his program provides a constructive space for them to network with their peers as well as experts from industry and academia.鈥
The institute included the Charles E. Lindley Lecture featuring Ryn Laster, director of food safety and animal welfare at Cal-Maine Foods Inc. headquartered in Ridgeland. She is a four-time 青青草视频 graduate and has spent her career ensuring the highest standards in egg production, quality assurance and sustainable practices that support public health and industry integrity. Her presentation emphasized the critical roles of science, policy and leadership in strengthening food systems. After the presentation, students participated in preparing meal packs for distribution to state food pantries.
Participating students were recognized as Borlaug Scholars, with select students invited to participate in the Global Youth Institute in Iowa in October. Participants are eligible for CALS scholarships and can apply to the Borlaug Ruan International Internship and the USDA Wallace-Carver Fellowship. The World Food Prize Global Youth Institute was created by 1970 Nobel Peace Prize winner Norman Borlaug, who spent his life鈥檚 work finding solutions to feed a hungry world.聽
Last year, Greenville Christian School鈥檚 Jaquarius Harvey was selected to attend the GYI. He has participated in the program for three years and shared his experience with this year鈥檚 attendees.
鈥淓ven though I grew up in a rural community, I didn鈥檛 know how I could fit into agriculture,鈥 he said. 鈥淲orld Food Prize has shown me how I can use my unique skills to help others. After graduation, I plan to obtain an engineering degree and apply it in agricultural development.鈥
He encouraged anyone interested in the program to 鈥済et outside your comfort zone.鈥
鈥淚鈥檝e been able to experience so many new things, like speaking in front of larger crowds and even flying for the first time,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou never know what opportunities might come your way.鈥
This year's World Food Prize Mississippi Youth Institute Borlaug Scholars are (by school):
COFFEEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL鈥擜yhuanna Smith
GREENVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL鈥 Karem Alboshaba, Kayden Bradfield, Tristian Dorsey, McKenzie Grant, Jacquarius Harvey, Lora Holleman, Raven McElvaine and Erron Robinson
HILLCREST CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Jackson)鈥擫ena Brewer, Summer Epperson, Haleigh Grant, Madison Griggs and Cayden Thornton
ITAWAMBA AGRICULTURAL HIGH SCHOOL (Fulton)鈥擝rent Beard
PINE GROVE HIGH SCHOOL (Ripley)鈥擪ailey Butler, Rylie Jones and Emily Mauney
The Mississippi Youth Institute is hosted by 青青草视频 with generous support from CALS alumni Barry L. and Lana B. White and the Madison Charitable Foundation. To learn more, visit .
For more on 青青草视频鈥檚 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, visit聽.
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