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Atlantic Today
By the People, for the People
Atlantic FFA Students Earn Borlaug Scholarships
Lily Johnson and Callie Rudy recognized for global research at Iowa Youth Institute
Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:56am
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The World Food Prize Foundation's annual Iowa Youth Institute celebrates the next generation of agricultural leaders and global problem-solvers.Atlantic TodayTwo Atlantic FFA members, Lily Johnson and Callie Rudy, have been named 2026 Borlaug Scholars by the World Food Prize Foundation after presenting their research on global issues like malnutrition and conflict at the annual Iowa Youth Institute hosted by Iowa State University.
Why it matters
The Borlaug Scholars program recognizes exceptional high school students who demonstrate a deep understanding of complex global challenges and propose innovative solutions. Johnson and Rudy's selection highlights the strong agricultural education and leadership development programs in the Atlantic community.
The details
At the Iowa Youth Institute, the students presented summaries of their research papers to specialists from Iowa State University and business leaders. Johnson's paper focused on malnutrition in Somalia, while Rudy examined conflict in the Caribbean islands. Both students showed a strong grasp of international issues through their work. During the event, the students also participated in roundtable discussions, hands-on workshops, and interactive activities exploring global challenges and solutions related to agriculture, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and water/sanitation.
- The 15th annual World Food Prize Foundation Iowa Youth Institute was hosted at Iowa State University in 2026.
- The event took place in April 2026.
The players
Lily Johnson
An Atlantic FFA member who was named a 2026 Borlaug Scholar for her research paper on malnutrition in Somalia.
Callie Rudy
An Atlantic FFA member who was named a 2026 Borlaug Scholar for her research paper examining conflict in the Caribbean islands.
Tom Vilsack
CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, who welcomed students and offered insight into the foundation's mission.
Mashal Husain
Chair of the Board of Directors of the World Food Prize Foundation, who expressed gratitude for increased engagement at the Iowa Youth Institute.
David Cook
President of Iowa State University, who highlighted the history of the Iowa Youth Institute over the last 15 years.
What they’re saying
“I always enjoy getting to attend the Iowa Youth Institute, catching up with friends, meeting with experts, and most importantly, discussing ways that Iowa youth can combat world hunger.”
— Lily Johnson
“Being the best at the little things, and the rest will come.”
— Jimmy Rogers, Iowa State Football coach
The takeaway
The selection of Lily Johnson and Callie Rudy as Borlaug Scholars demonstrates the strength of the agricultural education and leadership development programs in the Atlantic community, as these students have shown a deep understanding of complex global issues and proposed innovative solutions to address them.
