Harrisonville Alum An American Star Finalist
July 19, 2023 4:49PM CDT
George Frees of the Cass Career Center FFA chapter conducts research into the role gibberelic acid can play in increasing ethanol output from sugarcane. (Photo courtesy of Frees)
A Harrisonville native is a finalist for one of the National FFA Organization’s top individual awards. George Frees of the Cass Career Center FFA Chapter was named Wednesday as one of the four finalists for the American Star in Agriscience. Frees, now an honors student at the University of Missouri, was inspired by a trip to the Caribbean to begin researching ways to increase ethanol production from sugarcane. His research was recognized in 2021 with the National Proficiency Award in Agriscience Research, Plant Systems. Other finalists for the American Star in Agriscience are from Iowa, Ohio, and South Dakota. The American Star awards will be announced during the 96th National FFA Convention this October in Indianapolis.
