This session has nearly reached the halfway point and I continue to present and fight for the interests of the 21st district. However, one of my favorite things to do – and one of the most important – is talk with the members of my district. And no one is more important than the upcoming generation.

This week I had the great honor of visiting students in Pilot Grove for Career Day. I shared with them the choices I made that led me from playing for the University of Missouri to a brief stint in the NFL to farming to a Missouri state representative and, finally, to state senator. My journey has been a cherished experience and, although it has had its ups and downs, I am thankful for the path I’ve taken and the lessons I’ve learned.

I talked with them about their futures and aspirations, as well as about the work done here in the Capitol and the impact they can make even now. As I spoke with them, I found my heart lifted by the hope of these young and their capable minds. As they spoke with me, I found myself strengthened in what I could do for these young men and women. The next generation is a bumper crop, and I look forward to seeing how they grow.

In addition, two students came to shadow my work here in the Senate for the 4H Legislative Academy Shadowing Day. It was a pleasure to have a student from the 21st District, Morgan Nelson from Concordia High School, as well as Bella Baker from Atlanta High School. I am confident these two young women have a bright future ahead of them.

I am also proud to stand with George Speckman from our district who was presented to the Senate as an appointee to the Missouri Real Estate Commission this week.

Please feel free to contact my office at 573751-4302. For information about my committee assignments or sponsored legislation, please visit my official Missouri Senate website at senate. mo.gov/KurtisGregory.