CHS FFA members heading to state

The freshmen team competed in a First-Year Member CDE and placed fourth overall. They were given a comprehensive exam on the agriculture industry and a group problem-solving challenge, learning what it takes to serve as leaders in their FFA chapter and beyond. Columbia High School students and FFA members Liam Fitzjarrald, Jaxson Anderson, Francisco Salazar, Gigi Clark and Rubi Robles Guzman will represent White Salmon FFA at Washington State FFA Convention in Pullman in May.

White Salmon FFA also had four members compete in an Agricultural Issues LDE. In this event, members identify, research and present information on agricultural issues relevant to our area. Molly Gehrig, Riley Eichner, Raina McAllister and Josie Dickey will represent White Salmon at Washington State FFA Convention in May.

Two seniors and one freshman participated in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE. Dickey, McAllister and Eichner drew a random agriculturally related topic from a hat; they then had 20 minutes to research the topic and write a speech, followed by presenting their 4-6 minute speech to judges. Dickey, a senior, earned a first place finish and will also be representing White Salmon FFA at Washington State FFA Convention in May.

On March 12 at Prairie High School, our White Salmon FFA members had the opportunity to compete in a Job Interview LDE. McAllister and Dickey took time prior to the LDE to prepare a cover letter, resume and job application, while also studying interview questions, telephone job acceptance and letter writing follow-up skills. Dickey placed fifth, which makes her first alternate, and McAllister placed third, which earned her a spot to represent White Salmon FFA at State Convention.

All FFA members put in a lot of time and preparation to get ready for their events. CDE/LDEs build on what students learn in their agricultural classes and encourage members to put their prior knowledge into practice. These events are designed to help members prepare for their careers by testing and challenging their technical, leadership, interpersonal, and teamwork skills as well as their knowledge on the specific agriculture subject matter.