WEST TEXAS - Our three local FFA chapters were in action on Saturday, November 20th at the Area II Leadership Development Events. All students who competed qualified by earning first or second place in their respective district contests. There are seven districts comprising the Area II FFA Association. This is the final level of competition before students advance to the State Leadership Development Events. Glasscock County, Grady, and Stanton FFA Chapters were well-represented by students as they competed in events testing their knowledge of FFA history, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and ability to job interview.
Glasscock County FFA Chapter also had several students competing in various contests. The Junior Quiz team composed of Jeremiah Talamantes, Preston Dehlinger, Texas Brinkley, Levi Easterling performed very well as they showcased their knowledge of FFA History, Parliamentary Procedure, and Agricultural facts. Lacy Seidenberger, Holley Stiles, Sadie Fuchs, Presley Jost, Keegan Batla, Tatum Braden, Karly Baker, Emy Schwartz, Kaylee Garcia, Kyler Dieringer made up the 6th place Greenhand Chapter Conducting team for Glasscock. Owen Seidenberger and Blake Stewart put their interview skills to the test as they competed in the Area Job Interview Contest. Finally, Logan Seidenberger, Walton Marshall, Christopher Dyer, Brock Braden earned a banner for their 4th place finish in the Senior Quiz Contest. Andrew Hauser, Glasscock County FFA Advisor said this of the student’s performance: “I am so proud of how students represented Glasscock County and the El Rancho District. I know this is only the start for many of these students and I cannot wait to see what else they will accomplish.”
Grady FFA Chapter was represented with students competing in Greenhand Creed Speaking and Greenhand Chapter Conducting. The team of Hayden Blaylock, Justin Tyler, Aaron Cates, Dalton Saunders, Nacey McMorries, Selig Burge, Kailynn Peugh placed 8th in the area in Greenhand Chapter Conducting. Additionally, Aislynne Mendoza earned a 9th place finish in Greenhand Creed Speaking. “These students continue to impress me with their dedication and hard work. These students are going to be the base for a developing and thriving FFA program at Grady High School.” stated David Disselhorst, Grady FFA Advisor.
Grady and Glasscock were not the only local chapters represented at the area contests as Stanton FFA students also competed. Stanton FFA students competed in the Ag Issues Competition. Miguel Moreno, Nasbit Razo Ramos, and Shea-Lynn Whitte made up the Ag Issues team representing Stanton and the El rancho District. Corey Mengwasser expressed his satisfaction with the Stanton Chapter’s performance. “I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication each of our members put into their LDE teams. I am beyond thrilled with the leadership qualities each of these students exhibited at the Area contest. We have been living by the slogan 'You can't spell buffaloes without FFA' all year here in the Stanton Agriculture Department, and I think this was demonstrated well on Saturday."
Our local area has a lot to be proud of as these students continue to work hard in all they do and carry themselves well through all of their competitions.