The Missouri Pork Association (MPA) is pleased to announce the selection of Lena Stricklin from Rolla as a Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador. Her selection was announced at the Missouri Pork Expo on February 20, 2024.
Lena is the daughter of Alicia and Ken Stricklin, and is a senior at Rolla High School where she will graduate in May of 2024. After graduation, Lena plans to attend State Fair Community College to study dental hygiene.
Lena currently works for Pork & Piston’s Feed Store and Elevated Show Supplies.
She lives on her family farm where she and her parents raise fat hogs to sell to customers for slaughtering purposes. She also raises a group of show pigs each year to sell to junior members for local county fairs. Lena is currently the president for her 4-H club. Along with 4-H, Lena is also actively involved in FFA, Student Council, FBLA, FCCLA, Key Club, and NHS.
During the next year, Lena will attend events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and Missouri State Fair. At the end of the program, Lena will receive a $1,000 scholarship payable to a technical school, community college or four-year university.
The Missouri Youth Pork Ambassador program combines a scholarship opportunity with the chance to actively participate in Missouri’s pork industry. It provides an opportunity for youth to develop strong relationships with both pork producers and allied industry members, while improving communication and leadership skills.
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education, and public policy. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.
