A Galt High School senior will travel to Washington, D.C., this summer to take part in a program on leadership in environmental science and conservation. 

Audrey Gonsalez was chosen to attend the 2024 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University based on her high grades and PSAT scores, as well as a career test that showed her interest in the environment.

Gonsalez is serving as the chamber president of Galt FFA, and she recently interviewed to be a regional officer.

Gonsalez told the Herald she has “a huge love” for conservation and sustainability, especially as they relate to agriculture. She wanted to learn about problem-solving and opportunities for hands-on work in conservation.

She was excited and nervous to be going on her first solo plane ride in June and interacting with the 99 other students selected for the program from across the country.

Of particular interest to Gonsalez are the question of how to feed a growing population and the ag applications of genetics.

She noted that the summit is a partnership with the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, whose breeding programs have saved animals including the black-footed ferret from extinction.

“That definitely connected,” Gonsalez said. “I was like, ‘If they can do that, what else can they do up there?’”