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MACON, GA –  Rachel Hopper, of Pitts, is among seven graduating high school seniors statewide selected to receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture

The scholarships recognize deserving and outstanding high school graduates who plan to pursue a degree in agriculture or an ag-related degree at a college in the University System of Georgia, Berry College or Emmanuel College.

Hopper, the daughter of  Wes Hopper, recently graduated from Crisp Academy as her class salutatorian. She plans to attend the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES) in the fall to pursue a  degree  in animal  science.

“Agriculture is Georgia’s leading economic sector. The Georgia Foundation for Agriculture would like to keep it that way, which is why it continues to invest in the bright minds that will power our industry in the future,” said Lily Baucom, executive director of the Georgia Foundation for Agriculture (GFA).

While a student at Crisp Academy, Hopper was a  member of the school’s Varsity Girls’ Tennis and Track teams for which she served as captain of both in 2018 and 2019. She was a member of the Crisp Academy Senior Beta Club from 2016-2020 and served as president her senior year. She  was  also a National Honors Society member from  2016-2020.

Hopper began showing swine through 4-H as a fifth grader in 2012 and began showing cattle in eighth grade. Through the years she has won numerous livestock show awards for both showmanship and for the animals she has shown.

Hopper is a member of the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association for which she served a term as secretary for 2019-2020. She also belongs to the Georgia Hereford and Angus Associations.

The GFA is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to advancing Georgia agriculture and

creating healthy communities. The GFA works with Georgia Farm Bureau and other agricultural

and educational organizations throughout Georgia to achieve its mission. The foundation is governed by a board of directors comprised of farmers, educators and Georgia agricultural leaders.

To achieve its mission, the GFA funds projects that increase the public’s understanding of agriculture; offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in agriculture and funds leadership development programs. To make a tax-deductible donation or learn more about the foundation, visit www.gafoundationag.org or contact GFA Executive Director Lily Baucom at 478-405-3461 or lrbaucom@gfb.org.