A North Carolina A&T State University student organization took home a slew of top honors from the annual national conference of the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) in Sacramento, Calif. in March.

One of the most significant achievements was the election of Freddrianna McElveen of Elizabethtown, N.C.,   to serve as 2013-14 undergraduate president for the national organization.  McElveen, a junior majoring in laboratory animal science, is also Region II undergraduate vice-president, and president of the N.C. A&T chapter of MANRRS.  Region II is comprised of MANRRS chapters in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.

Another accomplishment was a first for N.C. A&T: Aggies won first place in the MANRRS national quiz bowl, garnering a trophy and the title of MANRRS National Champions for 2013. Comprising the championship team are: Maranda Evans of Cleveland, a junior majoring in animal sciences; Shakera Fudge of Syracuse, N.Y., a junior majoring in laboratory animal science; Myesha McElveen of Elizabethtown, N.C., a freshman majoring in food science; Mykea McKnight of Jonesboro, Ga., a junior majoring in animal sciences; and Jessica Wooten of Greensboro, a senior majoring in dietetics.

Other group and individual honors received at the conference were:

• Gabriel White of Charlotte, a sophomore majoring in laboratory animal science, was elected Region II undergraduate vice president for 2013-14.
• Taylor Johnson of Cropwell, Ala., a freshman majoring in agricultural education, received first place and a $300 award for best undergraduate written essay.
• Region II Chapter of the Year Award.

School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences faculty mentors for the A&T MANRRS included Larry Hartsfield, USDA 1890 liaison, and Drs. Paula Faulkner and Tracy Hanner, as well as Dr. Radiah Minor, who assisted with pre-conference preparation and accompanied the group to Sacramento.

MANRRS is a professional society open to all people participating in agriscience careers, comprised of 70 chapters nationwide. It is dedicated to enhancing leadership and professional development for members.