By Hannah Robinson, chapter reporter
The Amanda-Clearcreek FFA chapters’ Agricultural Communications and Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Events teams were recently able to compete at the National level at the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. The teams had to win their respective state CDEs to be eligible to participate in the national events.
Our first team placed 16th, earning a Silver Rating, in the National FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event. Members of the team were: Sierra Jepsen, Nick Brumfield, and Allyson Davis. Mr. Scott Sharp, A-C FFA Advisor, coached the team. Sierra placed 9th individually in the nation earning a gold rating and a $400 scholarship, while Nick placed 14th individually also earning a gold rating, and Allyson earned a bronze rating. “This event supports student development of sound communication principles to become strong assets to the agriculture industry in the future,” said Melissa Dunkel, CDE education specialist. The three-member team is challenged in all areas of the agricultural communications field. Participants attend a press conference, utilize information gathered in a team activity and complete individual practicums in web design, broadcasting, graphic design, and writing. Students are also tested on their editing and other communication skills. The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE was sponsored by the National FFA Foundation. The event is one of 23 CDEs held annually at the National FFA Convention.
We were also honored to have our Environmental and Natural Resources team compete at the national level for the first time this year. In this contest, team members individually took a written test, created a press release from provided information and worked on various environmental practicum’s’ involving such topics as soils, water and waste management. This last year, the team consisting of Nick Brumfield, Emily Cordle, Allyson Davis and Alex Norris won the state contest allowing the chapter to advance to the national level. However, an FFA member is only allowed to compete in one National CDE at a time, so Nick and Allyson could not compete in this CDE. Alex also could not compete this year because he graduated and joined the Marines. So, joining Emily Cordle on the national team was Ricky Hutchinson, Hunter Ricketts, and John Miller, who then competed in the National competition. Ricky and Hunter both had experience from competing in Wildlife Management and John brought a lot of speaking experience having competed in the National Ag Communications CDE in the past. Hunter received a Silver Rating while Emily, Ricky and John earned Bronze ratings. Congratulations to this team on placing 36th in the nation, earning a Bronze rating.
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,487 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The 85th National FFA Convention is was held October 24th through October 26th, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana, and drew over 56,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across the country. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
