JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Carlee Long, a senior at Paris High School (Paris R-II), has been awarded the 2022 Charles E. Kruse Agricultural Scholarship by Missouri Farm Bureau. Carlee resides in Monroe County and is the daughter of Greg and Laura Long.

Long will graduate from Paris High School this May having already achieved her A.A. degree through a dual-credit program at Moberly Area Community College. She will then attend the University of Missouri to study Agricultural Business. Throughout her stellar high school career, Long has been an active member of the nationally-acclaimed Paris FFA chapter, having served as chapter President and as the Area IV Vice President. She has also been selected to interview and participate in the HYPE, HYMAX, and Missouri AgriBusiness Academy Leadership programs. 

She also serves as President of the Paris National Honor Society and was named captain of both the varsity girl’s basketball team and the varsity football cheerleading squad.

Long has represented agriculture in a variety of additional ways, serving as the ambassador for both Missouri Beef and Missouri Pork, organizing numerous community service events through FFA and 4-H, and attending the Missouri Legislative Academy.

“Carlee is a true advocate for agriculture,” said Josh Bondy, Long’s FFA chapter advisor. “She is dedicated to our industry and has a passion for helping educate the public about what we do. There truly is no task too large for Carlee to take on.”

The Charles E. Kruse Agricultural Scholarship recognizes the former President of Missouri Farm Bureau who served the organization in many ways throughout his tenure. Kruse, a fourth-generation farmer from Stoddard County, also served as the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture and achieved the rank of Brigadier General during a distinguished military career. Applicants for the $1,000 award must be part of a Missouri Farm Bureau member family, have been accepted by a Missouri four-year college or university, plan to pursue a degree in an agricultural field of study, and have displayed high levels of involvement and leadership in school and community activities.