Hartford Union High School is proud to announce that six of our students recently participated in the 2026 Wisconsin Youth Institute at UW–Madison, researching solutions to global food security issues. All six were recognized as prestigious Borlaug Scholars:

• Sophia Vodak (9th Grade)

• Kendal-Rain Majerus (9th Grade)

• Reed Krueger (9th Grade)

• Jaelyn Koutnik (9th Grade)

• Olivia Ghorai (10th Grade)

• Owen Evans (9th Grade)

10th-grader Olivia Ghorai was selected as one of a small number of statewide delegates to attend the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa this October. She will collaborate with international leaders and peers to address global hunger.

Delegates are chosen from among the top participants at the Wisconsin Youth Institute.

The Global Youth Institute will take place October 20 to October 23 in Des Moines, Iowa in conjunction with the World Food Prize Foundation's Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue and the presentation of the World Food Prize. During the event, Olivia will join outstanding students from across the United States and around the world to present research, collaborate on solutions to global food security issues and engage with internationally recognized leaders in agriculture, science, public health, policy and international development. 

"Being selected to represent Wisconsin at the Global Youth Institute is an incredible achievement," said Biology teacher and mentor Kevin Martin. "Olivia's selection reflects not only the quality of her research and presentation but also her passion for learning and making a difference in the world." 

The experience provides students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, communication, leadership, and research skills.

Hartford Union High School congratulates Olivia on this outstanding achievement and celebrates all six students for their dedication to academic excellence.