Kendall Rae Johnson, a 10-year-old from Georgia, has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to South Carolina State University. The award, usually given to top athletes, was presented to her for her excellence in agriculture.

Johnson is recognized as the first child certified farmer in the United States. She achieved the milestone at only 6 years old, and now her passion has caught national attention.

University president Alexander Conyers was moved by Johnson’s dedication to farming. He described her as an “ag scholar,” showing that students in agriculture deserve the same recognition as athletes.

This decision comes at a time when many Blackfarmers face challengesfrom new anti-DEI rules. By supporting Johnson, the school highlighted the importance of nurturing future leaders in farming.

Kendall’s interest in farming began with a small garden in her backyard. She grew vegetables and cared for farm animals alongside her family. Her determination led her to become the youngest certified farmer in the country.

“She just wanted to grow,” her mother Ursula explained in an interview. “Once she found her love of growing, that blossomed into what you see today.”

Kendall’s family has remained committed to helping herfollow her passion. They describe the journey as unpredictable but full of promise. “It’s living with the ceiling open,” Ursula said. “We have no idea where we’re going, but we’re just following.”

The young farmer now dreams of expanding her garden into a 100-acre farm. She envisions raising longhorn cattle, poultry, and many other crops.

Beyond her personal goals, Kendall is using her platform to encourage other kids to embrace agriculture. She serves as a USDA National Urban Agriculture Youth Ambassador, promoting youth scholarships and farming education.

Her message to young growers is simple but powerful: “I want to tell them to keep growing. Keep going. Keep being amazing. You do you!”