High School Students Learn To Lead the Animal Science Industry

Students from across the country participated in an immersive livestock and leadership learning experience at Kansas State University.

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Eighteen students gathered on the Kansas State University campus last week to gain livestock industry knowledge and develop leadership skills. These participants comprised a cohort of the eighteenth annual K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy (KASLA) June 10-13 in Manhattan, Kansas.

Hosted by the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and sponsored by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council and the Bill House Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas, the academy’s goal is to develop young leaders within the livestock industry and prepare them for a successful future in this field.

This year’s class included students from Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Those students were: Ava Bales, Wellington; Emerson Belt, Cashion, OK; Livie Church, Junction City; Sandra Einspahr, Syracuse; Madison Haney, Arnett, OK; Elizabeth McConville, Danbury, NE; Gavin Oliver, Stillwater, OK; Samani Pahulu, Leawood; Danielle Reeves, Valley Falls; Madi Rump, Burrton; Claire Salmon, Lowry City, MO; Faith Schmeidler, Hays; Maggie Schoelerman, Everly, IA; Ella Sourk, Seneca; Michelle Tevington, Wellington; Kinley Tolle, Goodwell, OK; Nick Wadud, Wichita; Emma Wiiest, Arkansas City.

During their time at the KASLA, students participated in interactive leadership development and educational lab sessions led by faculty members from across the K-State campus. The programincluded several livestock industry tours. Students enjoyed tours of university farms and K-State facilities as well. Participants completed the college experience by dining in Kramer and staying in Marlatt Hall.

For their final project, the students were divided into groups during the week to focus on current issues affecting the livestock industry. Faculty mentors from the K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry assisted each group. Using information they learned throughout the academy, the groups were asked to present their subject as part of the closing reception on the final day. About 75 family, friends, and members of the K-State community gathered for the closing reception to honor the graduates and hear their thoughts on these important livestock issues.

You can find out more information about the academy and future programs by visiting Youth Livestock Program. For questions, contact academy director Ashley Hartman at arhartma@ksu.edu or 785-532-1272.