In the quaint town of Ravenna, not too far from the shores of Lake Michigan, there’s a senior at Ravenna High School whose passion for environmental stewardship knows no bounds. Meet Larkin Scharenbroch, a model of leadership and innovation within the FFA community, whose dedication to agriscience is reshaping the way we perceive our natural world.
But Larkin didn’t start out as an FFA standout. Her FFA Advisor Melanie Block explains, “When Larkin joined FFA, she was pretty shy and tried her best to fly under the radar. I convinced her to participate in her first FFA event, and after she didn’t actually die from participating like she swore she would, she came back excited. Over the years, she has put herself into that growth zone repeatedly and has evolved into an outstanding leader for our chapter. Her maturity level has increased with every risk she takes, and she’s willing to do the hard work behind the scenes to make herself and her chapter succeed.”
Since stepping foot into the world of FFA in the 10th grade, Larkin has been a whirlwind of activity, serving as the Region V and Ravenna FFA Chapter reporter while also leading the charge with Ravenna’s beekeeping enterprise, the Bulldog Buzz team. But it’s her groundbreaking research project that truly sets her apart.
Larkin’s journey into agriscience took her to the banks of Crockery Creek, where she and her team embarked on a mission to monitor and report the health of this vital waterway. Teaming up with researchers from Grand Valley State University, Larkin meticulously collects water samples, testing them for indicators of water quality such as E. coli, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates and pH. Not stopping there, she also delves into the world of macroinvertebrates, further unraveling the intricacies of the creek’s ecosystem.
But Larkin’s impact doesn’t end with data collection. Armed with her findings, she fearlessly presents her research to stakeholders, sparking a dialogue throughout the community. Her dedication leads to a second round of more focused testing, ensuring that her efforts yield tangible results in the quest for environmental conservation. 
“FFA makes me think of the quote, ‘there is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone,’” Larkin explains. “I have spent a lot of time outside my comfort zone during my years in FFA, and I have grown so much through all of those experiences.”
Beyond her work with FFA, Larkin finds joy in a myriad of activities, from cheerleading to dirt bike riding, fishing and cherishing moments with her family at their property up north. And amidst the hustle and bustle of high school life, she nurtures dreams of becoming a NICU nurse, a testament to her compassionate spirit and desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
As Larkin stands on the precipice of graduation, her journey is not just about academic accolades—it’s about leaving a legacy of stewardship and compassion. Named a Star Finalist in Agriscience, Larkin embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines Michigan FFA members.
Alongside Alexis Ewing of the Jonesville FFA Chapter, Larkin has been named a finalist for this prestigious award, showcasing the remarkable talent and dedication within the organization.
So, let us celebrate Larkin Scharenbroch, a committed contributor to environmental science and an inspiration to us all. And as she charts her course towards Ferris State University, may she continue to shine brightly, lighting the way for future generations of FFA leaders.
Here’s to investing in the future by supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation and empowering students like Larkin to reach their full potential.
