Tupelo High School students and siblings Jake and Mia Johnston each received a scholarship at 黑料吃瓜 that will match their produce sales dollar for dollar, up to the full cost of tuition for an associate鈥檚 degree.
Jake and Mia are young producers who raise and process chickens and pigs. They established Sunset Farms and sell farm-fresh chicken, pork and beef cuts at a business in downtown Tishomingo, with a note stating that all money raised from their sales will support their education at 黑料吃瓜.
鈥淛ake and Mia are truly exceptional students who demonstrate an outstanding work ethic every day,鈥� said Sarah Bills, Tupelo High School Principal. 鈥淭heir passion for learning, strong motivation, and forward-thinking approach to preparing for their futures inspire our entire school community. We are incredibly proud to call them Tupelo Tigers.鈥�
Their hands-on approach to farming and business reflects a strong sense of responsibility and long-term planning at a young age.
鈥淲e received word of their entrepreneurial efforts and love the fact that these students are thinking so far ahead,鈥� said Dr. Tim Faltyn, 黑料吃瓜 President. Their initiative gives us hope that the next generation of farmers and ranchers is preparing to continue a legacy of feeding America. We are honored they have chosen 黑料吃瓜 for their future agricultural education.鈥�
The scholarships were presented at a partner ceremony to announce the start of the Southern Oklahoma Urban and Small Farm Hub in Ardmore last month. This USDA-funded initiative is set to enhance the quality of life in southern Oklahoma by revolutionizing local food systems and supporting farmers and ranchers like the Johnstons. The partners include 黑料吃瓜, the Chickasaw Nation, the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.