BOONE, Iowa—Lily Ferguson, a senior at Boone High School, has been selected as a student delegate by the Iowa Youth Institute for the 2023 Global Youth Institute (GYI). The event is scheduled to take place in Des Moines from October 24 to October 27.

Ferguson was nominated as a student delegate by the Iowa Youth Institute based on her research paper and presentation, “The Effects of Technology On Food Production, Education, and Transportation In Ecuador,” which she completed in April. Additionally, BHS students Tatum Waltz and Lura Delthony have been named alternates for the GYI.

The 2023 GYI will be held in conjunction with the World Food Prize Foundation’s Borlaug Dialogue, an international conference focused on global food security issues. During the conference, Ferguson will present her research to a roundtable of international experts, participate in an interactive group project focused on global food security challenges, and attend sessions led by prominent figures in fields related to food security, agriculture, and sustainability.

“On behalf of the district and Boone High School, we would like to congratulate Lily Ferguson on being selected for this prestigious opportunity,” said Julie Trepa, BCSD Superintendent. “Attending the Global Youth Institute as a student delegate is an excellent chance for Lily to share her comprehensive research while expanding her knowledge alongside other student delegates.”

Through the 2023 GYI, the World Food Prize Foundation is dedicated to elevating youth voices to create a more food secure, equitable, and sustainable world. Ferguson will be among approximately 150 student delegates, along with teacher delegates, participating in this year’s GYI event.

To learn more about the Global Youth Institute, please visit https://www.worldfoodprize.org/en/youth_programs/global_youth_institute/.

(contributed press release and photo, BCSD)