Samek of the Bolivar FFA Chapter named State Star Agriscience

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 17, 2026 – The Missouri FFA Association recognized Ellie Samek of the Bolivar FFA Chapter as the State Star Agriscience at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention. Samek is the daughter of John and Sheila Samek. Her advisors are Ashley Brown and Jason King. 

State 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. 

American Family Insurance sponsors the 16 Area Star in Agriscience awards and the State Star in Agriscience Award.

Samek’s supervised agricultural experience consists of a flock of Cornish Cross Broiler chickens, with a focus on improving efficiency and performance within her flock. In addition to her broiler operation, Samek has been working on a placement SAE at Dickerson Park Zoo, where she works alongside the zookeepers and veterinary staff to ensure proper care of all animals and volunteers at zoo events. 

Samek currently serves as the President of the Area X FFA Association. Within her chapter, Ellie served as the President of Bolivar FFA during the 2024-2025 school year. 

Outside of FFA, Samek has participated in National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes , Polk County Cattlemen’s, and Missouri Farm Bureau.

After graduation, Samek plans to pursue a degree in agricultural education, or a closely related agricultural field that emphasizes communication and research. Long-term, she aspires to work for an agricultural commodity group or organization that supports producers through research, education and advocacy.

The Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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.

#  #  #

Click upper-right “Pop-out” icon to download full-sized photo