Warren County High School FFA members competed at the district level competition Thursday night and three members placed. The district level competition was held Thursday, Jan. 25. Grace Lynn Gammon, Haley Smith and Shelby Ford each placed. FFA sponsor Danielle Smith is proud of the three for their performances.

“I’m so proud of these young ladies for competing in their public speaking competitions and facing a task that many are too afraid to attempt,” said Smith. “Speaking in front of others is no easy task and these three young ladies excelled at our district competition. They have put in many hours practicing to prepare for these competitions and represented our chapter well.” Gammon placed fifth in the Creed competition.

This competition recognizes FFA members for their ability to present the National FFA Creed from memory and answer three questions related to it. The FFA Creed outlines the organization’s values and beliefs regarding the industry of agriculture, FFA membership, citizenship and patriotism. Members who participate in this event learn to communicate in an organized, professional manner and it helps build self-confidence. Smith placed third in employment skills.

This contest simulates real-world activities used by employers and tests the student’s ability to perform throughout the employment process. Those participating in the contest submit a cover letter and resume, complete an application and telephone interview and participate in a preliminary face-to-face interview.

Students also participate in a networking exercise that could include an elevator pitch, a meal function or participating in a trade show event and receive a telephone offer where they negotiate for a job. This contest helps students search for jobs, internships and employment in any career field. Ford placed second in the pre pared public speaking competition.

During this competition, Ford wrote and delivered a six- to eight-minute speech about a cur rent agriculture-related topic. Students have to research a topic of interest and put together an informative speech. This speech is then presented to a panel of judges who score the student based on the con tent of the speech, the composition and the delivery. Ford will advance to the Southern Section competition next week. Warren County High School Ag teacher and Ford’s mother Shannon Ford is proud of all Shelby has accomplished.

“Shelby has been an avid public speaker since her early years in 4-H, so it was just natural for her to want to compete in the FFA pre pared public speaking competitions,” said Shannon Ford. “As her mom and her advisor, I could not be more proud of her and her accomplishments as she advances to the Southern Competition.”