Osage Beach, Mo.,—Gabriel Todd, a senior at Norwood High School, has been selected as one of the 2023 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. His selection was announced during the 2023 Missouri Pork Expo on February 21 in Osage Beach.
Gabriel is the son of Matthew and Cassie Todd of Mountain Grove. He and his grandfather operate a small hog operation in Alton, Missouri, where they breed show hogs and provide pork to local customers. He currently works at a local creamery and has also worked at a local RV park as a lawncare specialist.
He is actively involved in high school organizations and is the president of his senior class and the National Honor Society as well as the vice president and treasurer of student council. He is the current president of his FFA chapter and is vice president of the Area 13 FFA. During his sophomore year, he was selected to attend the Missouri Agribusiness Academy. Gabriel is also active in the FBLA and holds the District 14 secretary position. He earned 10th at FBLA National in the Introduction to Parliamentary Procedure test.
Gabriel plans to attend college to first obtain an agribusiness degree, then pursue a law degree and a masters of law in agriculture degree. Upon completion of his schooling, he hopes to return to Wright County and practice law while operating a farm. His ultimate goal is to run for public offices in the Missouri State Legislature, and finally as a U.S. Senator.
Throughout the next year, Gabriel will participate in various events in the pork industry. At the end of the program, he 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, 2023.
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 public policy. 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.
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