Arkansas achievers
■ Abby Berger and Cameryn Berryhill, seniors at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs, have been named 2022 Soybean Scholars by the Soybean Science Challenge, a program sponsored by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board. Their recognition comes after completing six online classes and winning the Soybean Science Challenge award at the Southwest Energy Arkansas Science and Engineering Fair for science projects focusing on soybeans. Berger’s project investigated whether forage soybeans could be an alternative grazing option for cattle if able to withstand grazing damage and regrow a decent crop. She planted five varieties of Eagle Seed and one competitor seed. She clipped them throughout the growing season to test durability. The results of her project indicated forage soybeans to be a grazing alternative. Berger and her teacher Brian Monson won a $1,300 cash prize with the award. Berryhill’s project aimed to determine whether aquatic bacteria found in Hot Springs could promote the growth of soybeans. Microorganisms sampled from three streams were tested for indoleacetic acid, a plant growth hormone. Soybean seeds and soil were either left alone or coated with bacteria that produced high, low or no indoleacetic acid. Results showed that the indoleacetic acid did not significantly promote the growth of soybeans but opened the door for further experimentation. Berryhill and her teacher Lindsey Waddell won a $250 cash prize for the honorable mention.
■ The Arkansas Forestry Association recognized the Goggans Family as Tree Farmer of the Year at the 2022 Arkansas Forestry Association annual meeting at the DoubleTree in Little Rock on Oct. 13. The Goggans Family Tree Farm is a 500-acre, third-generation farm in Cleveland County. The original section of the farm was settled in 1856. The farm is now owned by Miles Goggans and his sister, Johnna Goggans Novak. Their parents, Beverly and John Goggans, initially enrolled the land in the Tree Farm Program. In 1988 they planted pine plantations on the ground that had long been row crops. The property is now managed by Miles Goggans. The camp regularly hosts family, friends, neighbors, and educational events and tours. Several miles of trails allow access to explore the property and see ongoing management work. In 2014 the Private Lands Partnership, consisting of five state and federal agencies, recognized the farm as Landowner Steward of the Year. In 2018, 2020, and 2022 it was named District 1 Tree Farm of the Year in Arkansas.
■ Becky McPeake has been named the Arkansas Forestry Association Educator of the Year. McPeake is professor of wildlife extension education for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service and Arkansas Forest Resources Center. In this capacity, she has served county Extension agents and their clientele for 23 years on the issues of wildlife damage management, habitat enhancement, wildlife enterprises and 4-H youth education. Her passion is connecting people with wildlife and nature and helping resolve conflicts with wildlife to further co- existence using science-based data in presentations, demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, trainings, seminars, videos, news releases, and social media. She partners with people from many disciplines, organizations and interests to achieve this goal.
Arkansas Achievers is an opportunity to give recognition to Arkansans for their achievements. Civilian and military achievements are accepted.
Please follow these guidelines: 1) Must be an Arkansan or have graduated from a school in Arkansas.
2) Received an award, scholarship, medal or promotion. Pageants, deans’ lists, graduations or military enlistments are not accepted.
No photographs please.
To submit an Achiever, email us at news@arkansasonline.com with the words“Arkansas Achievers”in the subject line.