2005 Ag Day Essay Winner Honored

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — DuPont Crop Protection and the Agriculture Council of America will honor the 2005 Ag Day Essay Contest winner on March 17, with a reception at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Tara Roys, a senior at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, outside Chicago, took national winner honors in the “Keep America Bountiful” themed contest. Her essay was selected as the winner from more than 1,150 entries from all 50 states and three U.S. territories.

Roys likened Keeping America Bountiful to caring for a garden. “Young sprouts need a little care, a bit of fertilizer, some rain, some sun, some space to grow and lots of love. I will remember that, and make my little corner of America the most bountiful garden in the world.”

She will receive a $1,000 award, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C., for the Ag Day reception. State winners will receive a $100 award for their winning essays.
“We were excited about the response from American youth to our contest,” said Mike Ricciuto, DuPont Crop Protection global communications director. “It is great to see today’s youth have such strong support for the American agriculture industry. The entries covered a wide range of agricultural topics and issues, showing the depth of interest and awareness that is out there.”

Ag Day is a nationally coordinated program that envisions consumers, young and old, talking about agriculture. The contest is sponsored by DuPont, Case IH, High Plains Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasters and National Agri-Marketing Association.

Each year, the Ag Day program gathers members of the agricultural industry to promote American agriculture. The Ag Day program helps educate millions of consumers each year, sharing how agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis.

DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

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