“Our population is getting bigger and we need more food. We’re running out of space to grow. We have more houses and bigger cities and not everywhere has big Kansas fields to grow crops in; [hydroponics] is a good solution for those areas who do not have enough space or nutrient rich soil.” - Myah McCook
It takes one person to take action when they see a need. One of Solomon’s very own recently saw a need for improved ways to grow crops and took action in both her Horticulture class and FFA. With the help of mentor and teacher, Reanna Dunlap, Myah McCook applied for a FFA Supervised Agricultural Experiences grant and was awarded $1000 for a hydroponics system. Myah has accomplished a difficult task, competing with students nationwide and Solomon is so proud to recognize her hard work.
Myah is an active student, participating in sports and extracurricular activities such as FFA. She always had a passion for growing plants and once she learned more about Horticulture, the spark ignited. Through assignments and speech opportunities, Myah found that as society progresses and expands, our natural soil and lands are limited. She discovered hydroponics and its enormous benefit to the environment and to those who want to make even a small contribution to the food supply. Myah recognizes that her interest in hydroponics is niche, but she is “interested in the process and there is a need for more of these.”
She explains that a “hydroponics unit grows plants without soil - in water with a nutrient rich solution. It does not use pesticides or chemicals.” Seemingly this solves the issue of soil degradation and limited land space. She continued and explained that “it recirculates the water. The only water lost is through natural evaporation”, refuting a counter point about the use of too much water.
The process to get a hydroponics unit was not easy though. Knowing there was an expensive start up cost, Miss Dunlap and Myah stayed late on school days for many weeks to work on the grant application. Dunlap was eager to assist though, as she saw Myah’s continued drive.
Myah’s work on this project has made me incredibly proud. She truly embodies the FFA motto, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” In everything she takes on, she gives 100% effort and is always willing to step outside her comfort zone and try something new. This project began as a spark of interest in her Intro to Agriculture class as a freshman and has grown into a genuine passion for the horticulture industry. I am so excited to see her begin this next chapter of her journey. ~Reanna Dunlap
In the time between grant submission and waiting to hear back from the FFA grant team, Myah had doubts about winning. She knew it was a competitive process and it was only her first time applying for a grant. With Miss Dunlap’s mentorship, she helped put those feelings at ease and walked Myah through the process, and successfully.
Myah has since set up the hydroponics unit and planted lettuce and basil. Part of her three year plan is to grow plants and sell them. She would use the proceeds to buy more seeds or parts for the unit. Quite the entrepreneurial spirit! Though this unit is hers alone, she may decide to leave it at the school so future students can learn about the process and grow to love horticulture like she has. Myah believes that, “If you’re passionate about something, you can do it. I had great support from Miss Dunlap so find a good support system.”
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