Orlando, Fla. – The winner of the middle school Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event is Mariah Alvarez of the Hills Gustat FFA Chapter. Alvarez was recognized at the 84th Annual Florida FFA State Convention.
Hills Gustat FFA member Mariah Alvarez knows what it is like to prepare a speech in a very limited amount of time. The Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE is designed to help students gain the ability to present remarks about a given subject without having prepared or rehearsed the material in advance. Gustat also knows that keeping up with current agricultural topics is a necessity. Contestants draw three topics from a pool of twelve, 30 minutes prior to the event, and then must present to a panel of judges.
Other finalists in the middle school Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE were Ali Baker of the Tomlin FFA Chapter, Tara Henderson of the Suwannee FFA Chapter, Zachary Ernst of the Gray FFA Chapter, and Lizza Mae Roson of the Kennedy FFA Chapter. The top five finalists received their awards, sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. The top team also received an Extemporaneous Speaking CDE Travel Award, sponsored by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.
About the Florida FFA State Convention
The annual state FFA convention is truly a week that absolutely everybody should experience. FFA members come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Honoring past and present accomplishments, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni, parents and supporters, will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders for the future.
About the Florida FFA Association
The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with 16,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
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