Lay is State Beekeeping Essay Winner

Larayah Lay is Missouri’s 2025 State Beekeeping Essay contest winner. 
Larayah’s passion for beekeeping shines through in her words: “This is my first year enrolled in beekeeping, although I have been around honey bees for a few years now as my brother is also enrolled in beekeeping through 4-H. I help with the bees as often as possible and enjoy taking care of them. My reward for beekeeping is the sweet honey that they make as it is absolutely irresistible.
I cannot express enough the importance of youth in beekeeping and how 4-H members can make a difference.”
Larayah is the daughter of Wes and Lindsey Lay. Her essay is next goes on to the National contest.