Chipley FFA Competes At 82nd National FFA Convention

Chipley FFA members and around 50,000 other FFA members, advisors and quests attended and competed at the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN from October 20th - 24th.

Thursday November 5th, 2009

 

 

Chipley FFA Competes At 82nd National FFA Convention

 

 

Caitlyn Prichard of the Chipley FFA Chapter was one of 48 state winners participating in the 2009 National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE). The competition was held Oct.21-24, during the 82nd National FFA Convention.

 

The Prepared Public Speaking CDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue. The CDE is just one way FFA members develop their ability to communicate in an organized and professional manner.

 

The National FFA Prepared Public Speaking CDE is sponsored by Monsanto as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. It is one of 23 different national events that use the fun of competition to connect classroom learning and careers.

 

Caitlyn advanced through the preliminary and semi-final rounds of the competition to compete on the Finals stage with three other individuals from Utah, North Carolina and Oklahoma.  On Friday October 23rd in Conseco Fieldhouse, Caitlyn was announced as the National Prepared Public Speaking 1st Runner-up.  This was the culmination of several years and many long hours of preparation.  For her accomplishment she was awarded a plaque and a $1000 scholarship. 

 

Chipley FFA members attended the convention and along the way toured Mammoth Cave National Park, Churchhill Downs, the University of Western Kentucky and the NCAA Hall of Champions. 

 

Members heard from Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel show "Dirty Jobs" in the opening convention session and attended the FFA career show that consisted of over 300 booths from a variety of companies and colleges.  Chipley FFA members attending were Caitlyn Prichard, Haley Smothers, Carly Hartzog, Catlyn Nelson, Kristina Lewis, Lauren Hall, Courtney Hall, Roger Wheeler, Matt Moody and Josh Johnson.

 

Also, please remember the families of Philip Caler. Philip fell three stories during the convention in a shopping mall and while he survived, he is facing a long road to recovery and his family is facing some large medical expenses.  For more information or to make a donation you can go to the following link: http://www.bookerisd.net/Philip%20Caler.htm