79th Annual AFR Central District Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

TECUMSEH— American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) kick started its annual fall speech contest series Monday Nov. 11 at Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh.

 

This marks the 79^th year of the statewide contests. 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, Agricultural Policy, Agribusiness, Natural Resources, Extemporaneous and Agri-Science.

 

Nearly 500 students will compete in AFR district speech contests this fall, resulting in more than 160 finalists advancing to the state contest. At the state level, the top three competitors in each category receive cash awards.

 

AFR/OFU

Novice: 1^st Dagny Birchfield, West Minster/OKC; 2^nd Taycie Baker, Bethel

Junior: 1^st Helen Elise Beach, Maysville; 2^nd Grady Fox, Purcell

Intermediate: 1^st Blakley Demuth, Perkins-Tryon; 2^nd Gracin Jones, Meeker; 3^rd Savannah Mauzrall, Purcell

Senior: 1^st Taylor Rose, Springer

 

Agriscience

Junior: 1^st Brody Fox, Purcell; 2^nd Jaxon Pickens, Stillwater; 3^rd Sammy Cooper, Stroud

Intermediate: 1^st Cordie Chandler, Stratford; 2^nd Beau Newport, Meeker; 3^rd Camilla Carter, Perkins-Tryon

Senior: 1^st Faith Wright, Stratford; 2^nd Josey Inselman, Perkins-Tryon; 3^rd Lana Maly, Edmond

 

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1^st Kaydence Staude, Meeker; 2^nd Megan Harris, Edmond; 3^rd Georgia Chambers, Lone Grove

Senior: 1^st Josie Murray, Wellston; 2^nd Sara Chaffin, Tecumseh; 3^rd Saphira Vptergrove, Lone Grove

 

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1^st Georgia Dobson, Turner; 2^nd Allisa Williams, Lone Grove; 3^rd Avery Cook, Edmond

Senior: 1^st Carli Thomas, Purcell; 2^nd Katelyn Kates, Newcastle; 3^rd Sadie Truesdale, Perkins-Tryon

 

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1^st Kamber Evans, Wayne; 2^nd Kade Sweeney, Perkins-Tryon

Senior: 1^st Taryn McCaa, Elmore City-Pernell; 2^nd Addyson McCaa, Lone Grove; 3^rd Delphie Howell Edmond

 

Extemporaneous

Senior: 1^st Hailey Helmke, Fox; 2^nd Kelton Arthur, Ripley; 3^rd Taylor Marrs, Tecumseh

 

“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can gain for their future careers,” said AFR Cooperative President Scott Blubaugh. “We are honored to host the 79^th Annual AFR Speech Contest, which has a long-standing tradition of fostering professionalism and confidence in Oklahoma’s youth.”

 

The AFR Annual 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 this contest or other AFR Youth Program projects, contact AFR Youth Development Coordinator Michell Noggle at (405)218-5566 or [email protected].

 

AFR Cooperative is a membership services organization established in 1905 as Oklahoma Farmers Union. AFR provides educational, legislative and cooperative programs across the state and serves as a watchdog for Oklahoma’s family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. The organization is actively supportive of the state’s agricultural industry and rural population with membership consisting of farmers actively involved in production agriculture and non-farmers adding their voice in support of AFR principles.

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