The University of Arkansas at Monticello Homepage

More than 100 FFA members from across southeast Arkansas took part in skill development competitions while getting a peek at future career possibilities during the annual Pine Tree Subarea Leadership Development Events hosted at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

The competition gave FFA members a chance to showcase their leadership skills, public speaking abilities and agricultural knowledge.

Students represented FFA chapters from Crossett, Drew Central in Monticello, Hamburg, Hermitage, Lake Village, McGehee, Star City and White Hall.

“Competing today helped me grow as a leader and reminded me why I love being part of FFA,” said Hailey Bliss, a participant from Drew Central who competed in prepared speaking. “Having the event at UAM made it even more exciting because it gave us a look at what opportunities in agriculture look like beyond high school and allowed us to explore agriculture degree options at the college level.”

The Pine Tree Subarea LDEs prepare students for district and state-level competitions while helping them build skills they can use in college, careers and their communities. Competitors finishing in first and second place for each event will advance to the district competition. 

Brittany Leek, agriculture teacher at Drew Central School District, coordinated the day’s contests and worked closely with UAM faculty and staff to host the event on campus.

“We are incredibly grateful to UAM for opening their doors and supporting our students,” said Leek. “LDEs give students a chance to step out of their comfort zones, build confidence and discover what they’re capable of — work that’s only possible with strong community partnerships like this one.”

Leadership Development Events provide FFA members with opportunities to practice critical skills that prepare them for careers in agriculture and leadership roles in their communities. Students compete in a variety of events, including public speaking, prepared presentations, parliamentary procedure and job interview. Competitions are judged on content, presentation, teamwork and leadership ability.

Several UAM faculty and staff members served as judges, offering their expertise in evaluating student performances across the events. Lonni Davis, instructor of agriculture at UAM and former FFA adviser, said hosting the event on campus carries special meaning.

“As a former agriculture teacher, I know how important these contests are for developing our next generation of leaders,” said Davis. “Providing a space at UAM where they can compete, learn and be encouraged is something we’re proud to support.”

Event Winners  

Creed Speaking

• 1^st place – Trinity Bruce from Star City
• 2^nd place – Madison Bussell from Drew Central

Prepared Public Speaking

• 1^st place – Lindsey Spurlin from White Hall
• 2^nd place – Hailey Bliss from Drew Central

Extemporaneous Public Speaking

• 1^st place – Jack Menard from White Hall
• 2^nd place – Lane Ortego from Star City

Discussion Meet

• 1^st place – Lindsey Spurlin from White Hall
• 2^nd place – Brooke Martin from Star City

Job Interview

• 1^st place – Joshua Todd from White Hall
• 2^nd place – Marley Ford from Star City

Conduct of Chapter Meeting

• 1^st place – Rison, President: Isabella Blackstock, Vice President: Nicole Bryant, Secretary: Clara Strother, Reporter: Cami Hernandez, Treasurer: Aspen Hurley, Sentinel: Khole Carder, Jr., Advisor: Haleigh Runion
• 2^nd place – Drew Central, President: Madison Bussell, Vice President: Austin Crossett, Secretary: Lauryn Cox, Reporter: Abigail McIntyre, Treasurer: Kolton Chapman, Sentinel: Chase Knowles, Jr., Advisor: Will Morgan

Parliamentary Procedure

• 1^st place – McGehee, Chair: Zander Robertson, 1: Ella Robinson, 2: Rance Robertson, 3: Jackson Bennett, 4: Jaxon Williams, 5: Madison Carpenter
• 2^nd place – Star City, Chair: Lane Ortego, 1: Marley Ford, 2: Avery Brown, 3: Addison McBryde, 4: Colton Shipman, 5: Evan Ross