Cape May FFA Member Receives Honors for Environmental Efforts

CAPE MAY – Parts of the east coast once had large populations of terrapins, particularly in areas such as Maryland and New Jersey. But because terrapins were considered a delicacy, they were aggressively hunted and at one point faced extinction. With the help of Ami Adams and other conservationists, terrapin populations could see significant growth in the coming years. This research has now won her national honors.
Adams was named Agriscience Student of the Year Runner Up at the 84th National FFA Convention during an onstage ceremony last month in Indianapolis, Ind. She is a member of the Cape May Tech FFA Chapter in Cape May Court House, N.J. Her chapter advisors are JoAnn Sopchak and Hans Toft. She is the daughter of Violanda and Michael Adams of Cape May.
Eight national finalists are selected for the Agriscience Student of the Year award. To qualify, applicants must present the findings of their own agriscience-related research projects. They are also evaluated on their general academic achievements and their involvement in school and community activities. The Agriscience Student Recognition Program is sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.
Adams conducted experiments on diamondback terrapins, which are the only sea turtles common to southern New Jersey. Her goal was to determine what feed ration resulted in the best rates of gain in young terrapins. Adams has shared her findings with a local wetlands institute with the goals of improving both terrapin health and population. Currently attending Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., she is studying environmental studies with a minor in physics. Her long-term goal is to become an environmental lawyer.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 540,379 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,489 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The 84th National FFA Convention is held Oct. 19-22, 2011 in Indianapolis, Ind., and will draw 50,000-plus FFA members, advisors and guests from across the country.
The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information and follow us on Facebook, and Twitter and FFA Nation.