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RANDOLPH – A Randolph student will be following in her father’s footsteps by participating in the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute this summer.
Emilee Olson will be a delegate at the 2024 NAYI conference July 8-12 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Her father, Jeremy Olson, participated 30 years prior in the summer of 1994.
Fittingly, this year’s NAYI theme is “Leading Your Legacy.”
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) received a record number of applications from high school juniors and seniors across the state to attend this summer.
In its 53rd year, NAYI brings together hundreds of students every year to learn more about Nebraska agriculture, network with ag leaders and explore career opportunities.
“We were overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the record number of applications we received from students interested in attending NAYI,” said NDA director Sherry Vinton. “NAYI is an incredible opportunity for young leaders to expand their knowledge of agriculture and connect with peers and network with agricultural professionals from around the state. These students are the future leaders and innovators of Nebraska’s ag industry. They will be the ones working together in the future to strengthen our state’s No. 1 industry.”
The NDA selects students to attend based on their leadership skills, interests and involvement in agriculture.
Emilee’s agriculture experience raising livestock, and participating in FFA and 4-H, helped to solidify her serious intentions about being involved in agriculture as an adult. It also helped that her father attended NAYI previously, she said.
“I’m definitely thinking about going into agriculture as a future career,” she said. “The Institute is really huge on helping kids decide what path they want to take by teaching about different agricultural careers in general.”
As an incoming senior, Emilee is feeling some pressure in deciding on a career path and is leaning toward becoming a veterinarian.
Her father hasn’t provided much information about what she can expect at NAYI next week.
“He said he wants me to go in there as an open book and experience it in my own way and I think that’s really cool, but I’m also on the edge of my chair wanting to get in there now,” she said.
Along with listening to seminars and networking with agriculture professionals, NAYI participants will take part in other fun activities such as touring Memorial Stadium and a formal dinner and after party.
“We all get to dress up. A lot of the girls will bring their Prom dresses and the guys will wear a suit and tie and we get to have a meal with the governor,” Emilee said.
She’s also excited to meet like-minded youth. “I feel like I’ll be able to relate to a lot of the kids there and gain quite a few more friendships is something I’m looking forward to the most,” she said.
Other students from the area selected as NAYI delegates this year include: Karli Bruning, Ava Noecker and Claire Rolfes, Hartington; Reagan Choat, Osmond; and Tessa Haahr, Wynot.
