Animal lover, amateur scientist and aspiring veterinary technician are all words that describe De Soto High School sophomore Morgan Darter.

Ever since her childhood, Darter has been passionate about animals. Her specific passion is focused on horses.

“I actually have a horse. I trail ride a lot with my grandparents,” Darter said. “I have been on a horse since before I could walk.”

While she doesn’t compete with it, she loves spending time with her horse and other animals.

This love of horses, and animals in general, has affected her entire life, from her volunteer work to the way she eats.

“I volunteer every Wednesday at Midnight Farms, which is a therapeutic riding place for kids and adults with disabilities,” Darter said.

Darter’s life changes choices includes becoming a vegetarian. She began as a vegetarian in eighth grade. While she is the only one in her family observing this life style, she says they are very supportive.

“They are accommodating. If they are having something [with meat] they will always make sure I have something to eat too,” Darter said.

Recently, her admiration of animals inspired her award-winning science project that she was given the opportunity to represent Kansas at the American Junior Academy of Science and American Association for they Advancement of Science national conference located in Chicago in February.

“It was a lot of fun. We got to talk to scientists. It was a professional setting. It was very different and very nice to talk to people who got what you were saying and were interested in what you were doing,” Darter said.

Darter plans on taking her love and passion for animals and carry it into her career. She plans to major in Veterinary Technology and minor in Equine Studies to eventually become a veterinary technician.