Columbia, Mo.,—The Missouri Pork Association has awarded the fourth annual Missy North Memorial Scholarship to Marlena Long, a senior at Paris R-II High School. Her selection was announced at the 2019 Missouri Pork Expo on February 12th in Columbia, Missouri.
The scholarship, awarded to a student planning to pursue a career in the pork industry, was made possible by Bob North and his family in honor of his late wife, Missy. She had a passion for raising pigs and was very active in the industry.
Marlena is the daughter of Greg and Laura Long of Paris, Missouri. She has shown hogs for many years and recently began raising her own pigs to show and sell to others.
While in high school, Marlena is actively involved in her FFA and 4-H chapter. She is the current president of the Paris FFA and the Area IV FFA. In 2017, Marlena was a member of the 1st Place state Sales Team which went on to place 2nd in the nation. In 2018, Marlena was a member of the 1st place Meats Team that went on to finish 5th in the nation—she was 1st place individual at state and 10th individual in the nation. Marlena is treasurer of the National Honor Society and class vice president. Other school activities include golf, basketball and cheerleading.
Marlena is also president of the Eager Beaver 4-H Club and treasurer of the Missouri Shorthorn Association.
After graduating this May, Marlena plans to major in biochemistry at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She then hopes to obtain an advanced degree in swine research or veterinary science.
To be eligible, students must be an undergraduate in a two-year swine program or a four-year college of agriculture majoring in animal sciences or a related field and planning to pursue a career in swine production management or related field. Applicants were to complete an online application and provide two letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
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.
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