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Submitted By: Tiffanee Conrad-Acuña, NCACAA Youth Scholarship Committee Chair
The North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents Association proudly announces Drake Day, Amanda Rucker, and Kaitlyn Tucker as the 2011 youth scholarship award winners. The scholarship award is being presented for the first time ever to 3 most deserving students who have exhibited excellence in leadership and community service. North Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents established this $1000 scholarship to three member or life members. children or grandchildren to aid them with tuition at any University of their choice in North Carolina.
Amanda Rucker is studying Therapeutic Horsemanship at Saint Andrews Presbyterian College. She is the daughter of Phil and Jennie Rucker. Amanda attributes her involvement in agriculture to her father. She says "I have attended meetings and different events and have heard him speak and educate people for years. He has always supported me in whatever I have been involved in. I have wonderful memories of our family working on the farm and showing beef cattle. He is a great example of a hard worker and I am always glad to help him clean up after programs and meetings. I hope to one day become an excellent mentor like he is to me."
Drake Day is studying Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University. He is the son of Derek and Sharon Day. Drake attributes his knowledge of the farming industry and the production of crops to his father. He says "He has taught me everything from planting the seed in the ground all the way to harvesting the product. He even taught me how to drive my first tractor. Also, for many years our family would join him for the NACAA National Conference meetings. During these trips I was given the great opportunity to tour many different types of farms growing a wide variety of crops all over the country. These tours were valuable learning experiences for me and I will never forget the many sights I was able to see and people I was able to meet."
Kaitlyn Tucker is studying Biological and Agricultural Engineering at North Carolina State University. She is the daughter of Mark and Ronda Tucker. Kaitlyn attributes many of her life lessons to her father. "My dad is an amazing man; he balances work at the office, work on the farm, and family time and inspires me to follow him and be a part of the agriculture community. He has taught me hard work and discipline through my many days helping on the farm. He has also taught me discipline through my times at his office when I would have to be quiet and occupied while he worked, without messing up any of the office equipment. My father is a strong, caring, loving and intelligent man. I have seen all of the characteristics through watching him work and I hope to one day be like him providing the best I can for my family and helping others to the best of my ability."
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