80th Annual AFR State Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

 

(PHOTO: (AFR Logo.)

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                  

 

PRESS CONTACT:

Laici Neumann

AFR Cooperative Press Secretary

405-218-5593

[email protected]

 

                             

80^th Annual AFR State Speech Contest Challenges Oklahoma Youth

STILLWATER—American Farmers & Ranchers (AFR) wrapped up its annual fall speech contest series Saturday Dec. 6 at Oklahoma State University (OSU) in Stillwater.

 

This marks the 80^th year of the statewide contest. 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: Haddie Roller, Cashion; 2^nd Cricket Collins, Frederick; and 3^rd Mack Schnaithman, Garber

Junior: 1^st: Jaime Parson, Valliant; 2^nd Claira Stafford, Altus; and 3^rd Molly Murphy, Silo

Intermediate: 1^st: Jalyn Lundry, Haworth; 2^nd Sutton Brown, Jenks; and 3^rd Maggie Carroll, Cashion

Senior: 1^st: Taylor Rose, Springer; 2^nd Shaylee Davis, Silo; and 3^rd Zoe Linhares, Broken Arrow

 

Agriscience

Junior: 1^st: Kamon Fisher, Seiling; 2^nd Kreed Campbell, Jet; and 3^rd Lacey Grimes, Fletcher

Intermediate: 1^st: Rylan Compston, Mooreland; 2^nd Lincoln Stafford, Altus; and 3^rd Ella Murray, Edmond

Senior: 1^st: Claire Myers, Lomega; 2^nd Denver McBride, Silo; and 3^rd Bailey Johnson, Jenks

 

Agribusiness

Intermediate: 1^st: Paige Redman, Timberlake; 2^nd Abby Goodman, Pawnee; and 3^rd Addie Chestnut, Lomega

Senior: 1^st: Bailey Matlock, Cyril; 2^nd Emma Carter, Seiling; and 3^rd Georgia Dobson, Turner

 

Animal Science

Intermediate: 1^st: Noah Crawford, Copan; 2^nd Layla Smith, Calera; and 3^rd Reese Hartman, Jenks

Senior: 1^st: Emry Lee, Elgin; 2^nd Olivia Lunow, Kiefer; and 3^rd Landry Hunt, Grandfield

 

Natural Resources

Intermediate: 1^st: Kortney Campbell, Jet; 2^nd Gracey Rich, Strother; and 3^rd Merritt Mantz, Alva

Senior: 1^st: Hadley Ott, Lomega; 2^nd Cierra Collins, Frederick; and 3^rd Kaden Pliler, Purcell

 

Ag Policy

Intermediate: 1^st: Jenna Bandy, Vinita; 2^nd Kreece Griffin, Latta; and 3^rd Olivia Harris, Sapulpa

Senior: 1^st: Hannah Hays, Chisholm, 2^nd Hudsyn Boren, Leedey; and 3^rd Audrey Clemmer, Silo

 

Extemporaneous

Senior: 1^st: Hailey Helmke, Fox; 2^nd Rowan Beck, Mannford; and 3^rd Katelee Martin, Alva

 

“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 Cara Comstock at (405)218-5556 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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