COVINGTON, Ga. — A Newton College and Career Academy FFA member is interested in a career in the poultry industry upon graduation, an instructor said.

Adonis Merritt has been involved in many poultry-related research projects and events. He participated in the University of Georgia's Young Scholars program, where he studied poultry nutrition with UGA faculty, and the FFA's Poultry Judging Career Devolopment Event. 

To support his supervised agriculture experience, Merritt applied for a grant from National FFA. The grant will help him start a substantial flock of chickens to be utilized in the animal science pathway for NCCA's agriculture education program, according to NCCA Agriculture Instructor Marcus Pollard.

Pollard told The Covington News Merritt was one of seven students across the state of Georgia to be awarded a $1,000 grant sponsored by Cargill, a leading company in the agriculture industry.

"As Adonis’ advisor, I’m so proud of his hard work," Pollard said, "His actions has increased the quality of the agricultural education program at Newton College & Career Academy. I’m certain that he will enter the poultry industry and continue to have a positive impact on his community in the future."