Watersheds Celebrated in Farm City Week Speech Contest

 

Manatee County students in grades six through 12 were eligible to compete in the annual Farm City Week Manatee River Soil and Water Conservation District (MRSWCD) speech contest on November 7th. Designed to develop leadership through participation in public speaking activities and to stimulate interest in conserving our natural resources, the topic selected by the National Association of Conservation Districts this year was “One Water” celebrating our watersheds.

Students submitted written transcripts of their speech and then shared information with the audience in 5-7 minute speeches.

Rylee Skillman, a Parrish Community High School FFA student taught by Caitlyn Greene, won the competition which qualifies her to compete in an Association of Florida Conservation Districts area contest to be held in the next year. Skillman was awarded a check for $150 by the MRSWCD for her first place finish.

1st place speech contestant
First place speech contest winner Rylee Skillman, Parrish Community High School student is congratulated by Paul Howard, MRSWCD Chairman and contest coordinator Gail Somodi

Placing second and awarded $100 was Haile Middle School FFA student Sophia Gagliano, taught by Jessica Jones. Gagliano received a ribbon in addition to a certificate, to recognize her for placing 2nd overall and first among middle school students.

2nd place speech contestant
Second place speech contest winner Sophia Gagliano, Haile Middle School student is congratulated by MRSWCD Chairman Paul Howard and contest coordinator Gail Somodi

Third place was awarded to Alexandra Ryherd, a Palmetto High School FFA student taught by Julie Tillett. Ryherd received $75.

Third place speech contestant
Third place speech contestant Alexandra Ryherd, Palmetto High School student  is congratulated by MRSWCD Chairman Paul Howard and contest coordinator Gail Somodi

Contestants attended and were recognized at the Agricultural Hall of Fame Luncheon in Palmetto during the same week.

As a participating teacher, Parrish Community High School FFA teacher Caitlyn Greene won the random drawing for a $50 gift certificate to purchase educational supplies for her classroom.

Judges were Robert Zeliff, Manatee Farms; Jack Creighton, retired District Conservationist with USDA/NRCS; and Christine Russo, Commercial Horticulture Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Service Manatee County.

 

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Posted: November 29, 2022


Category: Natural Resources, Water
Tags: Conservation, Soil And Water Conservation District


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