Area agriculture students gathered on November 10 for a chance to improve their skills and expand their knowledge at a Cultivate event on the York College campus. This exhibition and development event for FFA participants provided an opportunity for practice and feedback ahead of the competition season. It was also a chance for these students to see what York College has to offer for their future educational goals.

This is the second time this Cultivate FFA event has been held at YC. This event provides agriculturally minded middle school and high school students a chance to practice their Leadership Skills Events ahead of district competitions, which begin in December. Event organizer Stacie Turnbull reported that 10 schools and more than 140 students participated in the event

“The Leadership Skills Events are a fantastic opportunity for FFA members to practice and showcase their talents in a variety of events,” said Turnbull. “The opportunity for FFA members to receive feedback from those in industry, along with York College students and professors, is invaluable. What better practice in job interview skills than having an English professor review your resume and someone in human relations with a local company actually interviewing you?”

Leadership Skills Events include categories such as parliamentary procedure, creed speaking, agricultural demonstration, job interview and public speaking, among others.

The York College Cultivate event provided participants an opportunity to polish their skills with immediate feedback from faculty, staff, and college students. After practice and learning rounds, participants repeated their event in a judged round that included critiques from industry professionals.

“It’s a neat opportunity for students - high school and college - to interact with those in the industry,” said Turnbull

Creed speaking

1. Cory Carlson, Sutton
2. Madison Gerken, McCool Junction
3. Ali Nielsen, Blair

Senior Prepared Speaking

1. Michael Kurtzhals, Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
2. Sarah Bos, Raymond Central
3. Peyton Brugger, McCool Junction

Ag Demonstration

1. Blair
2. Sutton 1
3. Sutton 2

Cooperative Speaking

1. Brittney Schluester, Ainsworth
2. Cody Camerzine, Blair
3. Frances Holley, Raymond Central

Natural Resources

1. Miranda Hornuing, Raymond Central
2. Harrison Lane, Blair
3. Chelsea Bryant, Blair

Extemporaneous Speaking 

1. Jack Ahrens, Ainsworth
2. Shelby Watcher, Blair
3. Josh Palensky, Raymond Central

Jr Public Speaking 

1. Luke Mathisen, Blair
2. Sam Wilkens, Ainsworth
3. Makenna Dirkschneider, Blair

Employment Skills  Face to Face Interview Only

1. Chantelle Schulz, McCool Junction
2. Taylor Nuss, Sutton
3. Lana Nelson, Raymond Central

Employment Skills  

1. Lana Nelson, Raymond Central
2. Chantelle Schulz, McCool Junction
3. Kayla Nuss, Sutton

Senior Parliamentary Procedure   

1. Ainsworth 2
2. Wood River
3. Raymond Central 1

Conduct of Chapter Meeting Demonstration and Exam

1. Shelby Rising City 
2. Raymond Central
3. Blair
4. McCool Junction 

Conduct of Chapter Meeting Demonstration Only

1. Shelby Rising City & Raymond Central (TIE)
2. Blair
3. McCool Junction