Oxford FFA Agricultural Communication Team consisted of Elizabeth Ingraham, Colette Kappauf, Lily Marshman and Abby Stone. The team of high school sophomores competed against 34 other teams from across the United States in Indianapolis. (Submitted photo)

OXFORD – Oxford FFA competes on the national level.

Winners of the National FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event (CDE) were announced Thursday during the fourth session of the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Dr. Courtney Gibson of Texas Tech University served as superintendent of the event. The top ten individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to recognize their success in the event.

Oxford FFA’s Agricultural Communication Team consisted of Elizabeth Ingraham, Colette Kappauf, Lily Marshman and Abby Stone. The team of high school sophomores competed against 34 other teams from across the United States. Being a young team in a National level contest, the girls did a fantastic job presenting Oxford and the NYS FFA.

The team received a Bronze Ranking on the National level. Individually, Elizabeth Ingraham, Colete Kappauf and Abby Stone ranked Bronze. Lily Marshman ranked Gold individually.

The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge of real-life situations. Participants attend a simulated news conference and use the information gathered to complete individual practicums in writing, electronic media and design. Prior to the event, students compile media plans related to innovative agricultural practices, management techniques and marketing tools.

Each team then creates a 15-minute presentation based on their proposal. Members also compete in an editing exercise and a general communications quiz. The event, held at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, is one of many educational activities at the National FFA Convention & Expo in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes.

– From the Oxford Future Farmers of America