Agricultural News
75th Annual AFR/OFU State Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth
Mon, 09 Dec 2019 20:19:43 CST
American Farmers & Ranchers/Oklahoma Farmers Union (AFR/OFU) wrapped up its annual fall speech contest series Saturday Dec. 7 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.
This marks the 75th year of the AFR Speech Contest. Each year, the contest encourages young Oklahomans to hone their public speaking ability through district contests. All students, grades fourth through 12th, are eligible to compete.
The event has gone through many changes over the years, but has always maintained its central agricultural theme. Varying by grade level, this year's speech categories are AFR/OFU, Ag Advocacy and Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, and Science.
Nearly 500 students competed in AFR district speech contests this fall, resulting in 130 finalists advancing to the state contest. At the state level, the top three competitors in each category receive cash awards.
AFR/OFU
Novice: 1st Tyse Buck, Eufaula; 2nd Gracey Rich, Prague; 3rd Kyleigh Eppler, Silo
Junior: 1st Cooper Kline, N. Rock Creek; 2nd Natalie Garret, Kingfisher; 3rd Addyson Schneberger, Carnegie
Intermediate: 1st Karla McConnel, Calumet; 2nd Alec Anderson, Ringwood; 3rd Kelby Ott, Lomega
Senior: 1st Tate Ott, Lomega; 2nd Preston Pratt, Silo; 3rd Keegan Carrera, Shawnee
Science
Junior: 1st Coy Davidson, Elgin; 2nd Maci Flowers, Tecumseh; 3rd Lucas Rezner, Silo
Intermediate: 1st Jacob Miller, Thomas-Fay-Custer; 2nd Taylor McConnell, Wellston; 3rd Hailey Suntken, Sequoyah
Senior: 1st Hudson Myers, Edmond; 2nd Kaycee Reeves, Latta; 3rd Colter Esparza, Granite
Natural Resources
Intermediate: 1st Zell Freeman, Hobart; 2nd Baylee Brown, Mulhall; 3rd Emily Dangott, Kiefer
Senior: 1st Mickaila Kelley, Vinita; 2nd Jentry Squires, Kingfisher; 3rd Maddie Milks, Silo
Agribusiness
Intermediate: 1st Caleb Mannen, Fletcher; 2nd Kaylea Taylor, Mulhall; 3rd Kayla Poling, Silo
Senior: 1st Averee Murray, Owasso; 2nd Caleb Snodgrass, Owasso; 3rd Allie Dixon, Burns Flat-Dill City
Ag Advocacy and Policy
Intermediate: 1st Caleb Horne, Morrison; 2nd Rebekah Rake, Owasso; 3rd Alexia Sang, Owasso
Senior: 1st Haylee Lundry, Haworth; 2nd Kayli Hasselberg, Owasso; 3rd Koda Oller, Garber
"Public speaking is an indispensable skill students will use throughout their lives," said AFR/OFU Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. "Competitors in our contest will go on to lead their communities, promote our great state and be champions for agriculture. We are honored to host the 75th Annual AFR Speech Contest and to continue fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahoma's youth."
The AFR Speech Contest is just one of many AFR Youth Program traditions. The organization also hosts a youth leadership summit, statewide scholarships, livestock judging and grading competitions, and many other development opportunities. For more information on how to participate in the AFR Speech Contest or other youth activities, visit the AFR/OFU Cooperative website at www.afrcoop.
Source: AFR/OFU
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