FREDERICKTOWN — The Fredericktown FFA Chapter recently sent four members to the Sub-District Knox County Public Speaking Career Development Event.
Centerburg High School hosted the event.
The public speaking contest is divided into three categories: extemporaneous public speaking, beginning prepared public speaking, and advanced prepared public speaking.
In extemporaneous public speaking, contestants draw a random topic from agricultural categories of their choice. They have 30 minutes to craft a speech addressing that prompt.
Reagan Blanchard and Allyssia Dugan competed in this division.
Blanchard’s topic asked her to explore the connection between clean drinking water and an economy’s ability to thrive.
Her score landed her a first-place finish at the contest, qualifying her for the district contest at Clear Fork High School on Feb. 11.
Dugan placed third. Her topic required her to verbalize her reasoning for or against the use of farrowing crates in swine operations.
In the beginning prepared public speaking contest for 9th and 10th-grade students, participants pen a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic of their choice. They deliver the speech to a panel of judges.
The speeches must be fully original, and contestants must memorize them before delivery.
Jordyn Neighbarger spoke on the topic of “Fitting market animals and their impact on judges’ perceptions in the show arena.”
Neighbarger placed third and gained many skills for next year’s contest, where she intends to try her hand in the advanced division.
Advanced public speaking turns up the requirements. Contestants must prepare, memorize, and deliver a 6- to 8-minute speech to the judges.
Senior Austin Frazier spoke on “The impact of solar energy in Knox County.”
Frazier also placed third in his category, rounding out a successful four-year career in the Public Speaking CDE.