Oxford FFA members on their way to the District 4 Leadership Development Contests. The next round of FFA Contests are the Eastern Region Sub-States, which will be held at Oxford Academy on March 19. (Submitted Photo)

WINDSOR — On Wednesday, February 9 members of the Oxford FFA traveled to the District 4 Leadership Development Contests hosted by the Windsor FFA. Through Leadership Development Events, participants in grades 6 through 12 are challenged to use their public speaking skills, learn communication skills, and practice critical thinking all while sharing their interest in and knowledge of agriculture. Eight Oxford FFA members participated in a variety of contests.

District 4 FFA Chapters that competed were Sherburne-Earlville, Otselic Valley, Delaware Academy, Sidney, Walton, Windsor, Afton, Bainbridge-Guilford and the Oxford FFAs. Despite many things being virtual in recent years, members were in high attendance for these competitions.

Representing the high school, Patricia Bohannon competed in the Employment Skills contest which consisted of a mock job interview complete with cover letter, résumé, application, and follow up letter. She placed 4th. Emily Holbert shared a People in Agriculture media presentation on career opportunities within agriculture, food, and natural resources pathways. She placed 6th.

From our middle school, Lily Marshman presented a six-minute prepared speech about stress within the farming community and placed second. Presenting the “FFA Creed” by E.M. Tiffany was Abigail Stone and Colette Kappauf, who placed 4th and 2nd in this contest. In Jr. People in Agriculture, a poster project on career opportunities, contestants included Gabby Palmer (10th place), Anhalee Kappauf (5th place), Abigail Stone (4th place), Colette Kappauf (2nd place) and Elizabeth Vincent, who placed 1st. Elizabeth Vincent also stepped out of her comfort zone and participated in Jr. Extemporaneous speaking, where she had to write an impromptu speech about an agricultural topic, and placed 1st.

The top five individuals from each contest will advance. The next round of FFA Contests are the Eastern Region Sub-States. These contests will be held at Oxford Academy on March 19. Chapters will be traveling from as far as the North Country, Capital Region, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island to compete in 12 different contest areas.

The Oxford FFA is seeking adult volunteers who are interested in agriculture and/or youth development to serve as judges for these competitions. If you are interested, please contact Oxford FFA Advisor Renee Johnson at rjohnson@oxac.org for details.

-from Oxford Academy and Central Schools