The youngest entrant in the contest at 13 years old, Sistrunk has been involved in 4-H since she was in the fourth grade. Her father was the 4-H agent for years and now serves as the local ag agent, which led to her involvement in 4-H.

She is active in showing goats, chickens and horses, and also participates in cooking contests. Sistrunk sings in many town festivals and is currently taking voice lessons.

“This contest has been a great experience, and I would like to thank everyone for their support and votes throughout the contest. I couldn’t have done it without their help,” said Sistrunk. 

“I enjoy singing and felt this contest, and the scholarship, could help me in pursuing a degree in veterinary medicine in the future.”

From March through mid-July, more than 170 entries were received from agricultural students representing 34 states.

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Entrants of the “Anthem Stand & Be Heard Anthem Contest” included members of national ag-related student organizations, such as FFA, 4-H or student NAMA chapters, with a background and interest in agriculture or agribusiness.

After receiving more than 155,000 votes, the finalists were announced on Aug. 30. Voting to determine the grand prize winner began Sept. 24 on the contest website.

Last month, the four finalists traveled to Nashville to rerecord their renditions of the National Anthem with a music producer as well as talk about their experiences in the FMC Anthem Contest. The interviews and performances aired on RFD-TV on Oct. 4. More than 83,000 votes were received in the finalist voting phase.

Click here to view their videos.

"FMC is excited to invest in the talented individuals who are the future of farming and agriculture," said Tim Thompson, product manager, FMC Agricultural Products. "This contest and the caliber of students involved makes me confident in the future of agriculture. ”  FG

—From FMC Corporation news release