Columbia, Mo.,—Payden Nolting, a senior at Lamar High School, has been selected as one of the 2021 Missouri Pork Association Youth Pork Ambassadors. Her selection was announced during the 2021 Missouri Pork Expo on February 2nd in Osage Beach.
Payden is the daughter of Scott and Kelli Nolting of Lamar. Payden has worked at various locations including Jake’s Fireworks, Circle N Farms and Tractor’s BBQ. She has also assisted with local concession stands and coordinated sack lunch fundraisers.
Payden is a member of the National Honor Society, Make it Happen 4-H Club, MYSPC, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Lamar FFA. She was the committee chair for the Lamar FFA Women in Agriculture during her junior year, hosting over 150 guests. She has been a member of the LHS Archery Team for four years.
Payden plans to attend Missouri State University and major in agriculture communications and Agriculture business, with a minor in public relations. She hopes to work in public relations or human resources for an agricultural company.
Throughout the next year, Payden 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, 2021.
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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