Recognizing Jaylene Everhart

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jaylene Everhart of Centre County, Pennsylvania. I had the privilege of meeting with Jaylene last week while she was in Washington, D.C., for the national Agriculture's Promise forum.

Jaylene is a junior at State College Area High School and currently representing Pennsylvania for the National Young Farmers Education Association. Her passion for agriculture started at a young age as she grew up going to her grandparents' farm for chores before heading to school.

As a member of the Little Lions FFA Chapter and 4-H, she advocates for agricultural education on a wider level, encouraging educators to include agricultural education in classrooms.

In December, Jaylene was one of two high school students from Pennsylvania selected to compete at the National Young Farmers Education Association Institute and Agriculture Communications competition in College Station, Texas, at Texas A&M University.

The association works with local FFA chapters and 4-H organizations to help raise the next generation of agricultural leaders and advocates.

During the event, Jaylene attended educational tours to learn about the variety of agricultural opportunities and what Texas agriculture is all about and competed in a variety of agriculture advocacy and communication competitions against college- and high-school-age students from across the country.

Jaylene placed first in the Agriculture Expressions contest, which consisted of a 500-word essay on a current agricultural topic, a personal biography, and a release statement for publication. She also participated in the Agriculture Communications contest, where she created social media posts, radio, TV, and newsprint submissions throughout the week to exemplify the impact and education of the institute.

Madam Speaker, as chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, I take great pride in meeting with our next generation of agricultural leaders. Jaylene has an incredibly bright future ahead of her, and she is an inspiration to other young farmers looking to get involved with the industry.

Without students like Jaylene, who have such a passion for the agricultural field, we risk our future food supply. I am also looking for ways to lift the voices of her generation in Congress and encourage our next agricultural leaders. We must encourage their participation in the agriculture industry.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate Jaylene on her accomplishments. They are truly outstanding. She is a talented young lady, and I look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish for the agricultural community and beyond.

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