Catching up on summer

Well friends... it's been awhile. 

After the Missourian, I headed home for the week of Vacation Bible School and continued to work on American Ag Editors Association Award Program shows. A couple whirlwind weeks later, I hopped in the shotgun seat of Kathryn's car and we headed to see our friend Daysi in Louisville who interned with FCS Mid-America this summer. 

Daysi and I are kinda twinsies. She and I met through Kathryn. They are best friends from high school, and our three-muskateer-style friendship has blossomed over the past couple years. Daysi and I are somewhat similar in both personality and looks. Similar enough that we often get mixed up. And it's especially funny when we get mixed up by people who don't know we're friends.

During our visit, we went to see Mammoth Cave, the longest system of caves in the world, and...Daysi and I got our ears pierced! The trip was a great way to catch up, and I think we all had a lot of fun. Even if we got a few holes in our ears. 

Here's the gang at Mammoth Cave. See our pearls?
(From left to right: me, Daysi and Kathryn)

The next big adventure was Buffalo, New York! And boy was it an adventure. The shows went well, and we had great help from ACT members Megan and Kari. We also represent Mizzou at the conference quite well, I think. Kari received the prestigious Forrest Bassford Award from the Livestock Publications Council after an interview process and portfolio review. She and I also received AAEA Scholarships. One of our members won first place in the "breaking news" category of the National ACT Critique and Contest. We received second place in Yamaha's scholarship contest for our marketing materials for ATV safety. And, I personally have become very motivated to apply and do well in the Outstanding ACT Chapter process next year. First officer meeting was last night, and I'd say we're off to a good start!

Photoshoot with the Yamaha folks. This was the first year they awarded places beyond 1st place, and we were tickled pink to receive 2nd our first time entering.
(From left to right: me, National ACT Adviser Dr. Dwayne Cartmell, Megan LaManna,Yamaha Public Relations Manager Van Holmes, Kari Weis and Breanne Brammer)

It's been a very eventful and stressful (in a good way) summer, but now it's time for school. I'll try to get better with the posts since I won't be in any intense writing courses this semester.