Wright of Carthage FFA Chapter named Area 9 Star in Agriscience

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 22, 2022 – The Missouri FFA Association recognized Elena Wright of the Carthage FFA Chapter as Area 9 Star in Agriscience at the 94th Missouri FFA Convention. Her parents are Paul and Barbara Wright of Carthage. Her advisors are Tom Howard, Justin Mauss, J Brandon Duff and Chris Cloud .

Area Stars in Agriscience are selected based upon outstanding achievement in agriscience as part of a student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA. Area 9 includes 16 chapters in the Northwest District.

MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the 16 area Star in Agriscience awards and the State Star in Agriscience Award.

Wright’s supervised agricultural experience consists of integrated systems agriscience research. After taking an agricultural biotechnology class, Wright was interested in researching how chemical fertilizers affect growth while also examining the long term effects of using chemical fertilizers in soil. Wright researched the background on which fertilizers are commonly used and which specific chemicals are applied. Wright focused on biochar, the process of adding carbon compounds into the soil. The purpose of this research and experiment was to determine whether utilizing regenerative farming practices like this would benefit the soil compared to the use of chemicals in fertilizers. Wright gathered materials, performed soil tests, collected results, and analyzed her findings. 

Wright has been an active member of FFA for four years. She has received awards in leadership and scholarship for her involvement. She has participated in the entomology career development event. 

In addition to FFA, Wright is a member of National Honor Society, her high school swim team, and 4-H. She currently serves as the vice president of her 4-H club. 

After graduating high school, Wright plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, to study forensic science and molecular biology. She hopes to one day work in a forensic crime lab.

The Missouri FFA has 25,626 members representing 353 chapters. The national organization has more than 735,000 members representing 8,817 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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