Columbia, Mo.—Makayla Vandiver, a senior at Cabool High School, has been selected as one of the 2017 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2017 Missouri Pork Expo on February 7 in Columbia.

 

Makayla is the daughter of Johnnie and Jodie Vandiver  from Cabool. She currently works on the family farm where they raise chickens and ducks to sell to community members, and operate a road side produce stand. Makayla also assists with raising and showing hogs.

 

At school, Makayla is active in the Cabool FFA chapter and National Honor Society. She also plays softball.

 

After graduation, Makayla will attend Missouri State University in Springfield where she plans to to obtain degrees in agriculture education and agribusiness.

 

Throughout the next year, Makayla will participate in various events in the pork industry. At the end of the program, she will receive a $1,000 scholarship, payable to a technical school, community college or four-year university.

 

Qualified applicants must be involved in the pork industry or the son/daughter of a parent or guardian involved in the pork industry, and between their senior year of high school and sophomore year of college as of January 1, 2017.

 

The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador program combines a scholarship opportunity with the chance to actively participate in Missouri’s pork industry. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members, while improving communication and leadership skills.

 

The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education and legislation. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.

 

# # #