80th Annual AFR Southeast District Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

WILBURTON— American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) continued its annual fall speech contest series on Thursday, Nov. 13 at Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) in Wilburton.

 

This marks the 80^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, Animal Science 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 Mykah Parsons, Valliant; 2^nd John Truitt; Wetumka 3^rd Mae Loucks, Haworth

Junior: 1^st Jasper Shipman, Wister; 2^nd Ellie Truitt, Wetumka; 3^rd Isabel Atkins, Silo

Intermediate: 1^st Jalyn Lundry, Haworth; 2^nd Alivia Dansby, Valliant; 3^rd Braxton Manous, Durant

Senior: 1^st Shaylee Davis, Silo; 2^nd Maddie Miller, Madill

 

 

Agriscience

Junior: 1^st Molly Murphy, Silo; 2^nd Jaime Parson, Valliant; 3^rd Jeryn Lundry, Haworth

Intermediate: 1^st Paisley Dollar, Durant; 2^nd Lilly Whittington, Silo; 3^rd Creed Pope, Boswell

Senior: 1^st Ava Converse, Durant; 2^nd Denver McBride, Silo; 3^rd Ember Moyer, Broken Bow

 

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1^st Bella Lester, Silo; 2^nd Naomi Baldinger, Vanoss; 3^rd Cambri England, Spiro

Senior: 1^st Keleigh Caldwell, Silo; 2^nd Annie Miller, Durant; 3^rd Bria Tyner, Madill

 

Animal Science

Intermediate: 1^st Layla Smith, Calera; 2^nd Aliyah Browning, Idabel; 3^rd Mollie Burleson, Atoka

Senior: 1^st Lydia Bullard, Durant; 2^nd Madelyn Gray, Vanoss; 3^rd Josie Whittington, Haworth

 

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1^st Gracey Rich, Strother; 2^nd Anna Mauck, Silo; 3^rd Maycie Brooks, Wetumka

Senior: 1^st Bella Muncy, Red Oak; 2^nd Kasen Hamilton, Durant; 3^rd Tyner Roberts, Madill

 

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1^st Raylynn Parsons, Valliant; 2^nd Kreece Griffin, Latta; 3^rd Bethany Randolph, Durant

Senior: 1^st Bailee Varner, Durant; 2^nd Audrey Clemmer, Silo; 3^rd Serenity Slanton, Durant

 

Extemporaneous

Senior: 1^stChris McCune, Broken Bow; 2^nd Khloe Stuart, Valliant; 3^rd Vincent Murphy, Madill

 

“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 80^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 Cara Comstock at (405)218-5566 or Cara [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 the AFR principles. 

 

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