The Missouri FFA Association recognized Jessica Bailey Perkins, of the Green Ridge FFA Chapter as the Area 8 Star in Agriscience at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention.

Area Stars in Agriscience are selected based upon outstanding achievement in agriscience as part of a student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA. Area 8 includes 24 chapters in the Central District.

American Family Insurance sponsors the 16 area Star in Agriscience awards and the State Star in Agriscience Award.

Perkins’ supervised agricultural experience program consisted of researching the use of aquaponics to fertilize plants. Perkins set up two 300-gallon tanks and fish in the chapter’s greenhouse. She was responsible for taking care of the fish during the summer, ensuring water levels were correct, obtaining materials to ensure the health of the animals, and researching what breeds of fish were needed.

As an FFA member, Perkins has served the chapter as sentinel and treasurer. She has also participated in the Missouri FFA Choir. In addition, Perkins competed in the FFA knowledge leadership development event and entomology career development event.

Outside of FFA, Perkins has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Teachers of America, and the yearbook staff. She is co-captain of the basketball team and is the senior class treasurer.

After high school graduation, Perkins plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study agribusiness management. She plans to start her own business and establish her own farming operation.