PRESS RELEASE – The District 1 FFA Public Speaking CDEs (Career Development Events) took place in early February at Oak Harbor High School. The Public Speaking CDE is designed to develop leadership and the ability to appear before groups.
The contestants are judged on voice; quality; pitch; force; articulation; pronunciation; stage presence; personal appearance; poise and body posture; attitude; confidence; personality; ease before audience; power of expression; fluency; emphasis; directness; sincerity; communicative ability; conveyance of thought and meaning; general effect; response to questions.
In the Creed Speaking CDE, students recite the creed and then answer questions on the meaning of the creed.
Placing first was Ali Genter of Pettisville, second was Lilly Gahler of Oak Harbor, third was Addison Hannan of Eastwood, and fourth was Peyton Richer of Wauseon.
In the Beginning Prepared CDE, freshmen and sophomore students recite a prepared speech.
Placing first was Sophia Medina of Wauseon, second was Emma Gerenscer of Tinora, third was Mara Bankey of Elmwood, and fourth was Clayton Haase of Fairview.
In the Advanced Prepared CDE, students recite a six- to eight-minute speech and answer questions.
Placing first was Molly Elvey of Evergreen, second was Myra Thompson of Elmwood, third was Cole Bauman of Liberty Center, and fourth was Olivia Martin of Genoa.
In the Extemporaneous CDE, students are given a short period of time to prepare a speech and then present that speech.
Placing first was Bree Hayden of Eastwood, second was AJ Leininger of Wauseon, third was Griffin Gahler of Oak Harbor, and fourth was Lyla Radel of Evergreen.
The top two finishers in each contest will advance to the state competition on March 7.