High school students from across Missouri completed the Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence academy
Students learned how to effectively talk about their experiences in farming, overcome obstacles and develop their communication and personal skills. Learning sessions included advocacy training, communication basics, and social media outreach. Students heard from farmers, industry representatives, social media influencers, and Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer on how to effectively advocate on issues. The group also toured the Missouri Soybean Center of Innovation to learn more about the advancements and research being done on behalf of farmers.
Wrapping up the academy, participants put their skills into action during mock legislative hearings at the Missouri State Capitol. Students presented key issues to Missouri Sen. Mike Bernskoetter and State Reps. Rusty Black, Kurtis Gregory, Emily Weber, Kent Haden, Louis Riggs, Willard Haley, and Peggy McGaugh. Students also had the chance to meet with Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn.
“This program is unique in that it gives participants tools that they can use in college, in their careers, and in their everyday lives,” said Dakota Pemberton, a two-year team leader of the program. “Over the three-day period, we really challenge them to sharpen their critical thinking and look beyond how an issue impacts them directly to see the bigger picture. By the end, they’ve grown as individuals, as team members, and have the ability to use both facts and emotions when telling their stories and advocating on behalf of agriculture. Not to mention the confidence and knowledge gained by successfully defending their position to legislators.”
