TEMPLE— Three Texas FFA members have traveled a long competitive path contending against peers throughout the state to win top honors in the statewide Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest. The event focused on the theme “Rooted in Conservation.” The speech contest was held in Stephenville, on June 7-8th.
The contest is sponsored by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) in cooperation with the Texas FFA Association.
Placing first and earning a scholarship in the amount of $4,000 was Ryder Day, a member of the Meadow FFA Chapter.
Earning second place honors along with a $3,000 scholarship was Alley Fitzgerald, a member of the Columbus FFA Chapter.
Third-place honors along with a $2,000 scholarship went to Karly Anderson, a member of the Pearland FFA Chapter.
The ATSWCD generously provides the funding for the scholarships. Kent Batman, President of the ATSWCD said, “The value of this initiative is that every student who participates in this program becomes an ambassador for agriculture and the soil and water conservation district program in Texas.”
Concurring with Batman, David Basinger, Chairman of the TSSWCB added, “Through this speech contest we try to support agricultural education by providing a means through which students can develop leadership skills and real-world awareness to accurately speak about addressing natural resources issues and the importance of protecting them,” added Basinger.
For more information about the Soil Stewardship Public Speaking Contest visit: https://www.tsswcb.texas.gov/programs/public-information-and-education/soil-and-water-stewardship-public-speaking-contest
