FFA News: Meeker chapter holds annual creed contest

MEEKER I The Meeker FFA Chapter hosted its local creed contest on Nov. 9. Fifteen students enrolled in Mrs. Smith’s introduction to agricultural science and technology class presented the FFA Creed in an intensely competitive environment.
The evening’s activities began with the official FFA opening ceremonies before suspending the meeting in order to hold the creed contest. Each of the students did an amazing job presenting the FFA Creed; but only two will go on to the next level; those individuals would be Stephany Joos (who took home the top honors) and Miss Torrie Gerloff (who was the runner-up). Third place belonged to Kay Lynn Dunham, while Taylor Morris and Deena Norell took home fourth and fifth place, respectfully.
Each student involved in the introduction to agricultural science and technology class had to present the five paragraph FFA Creed from memory, while also focusing on various public speaking skills including: stage presence, vocal inflection, communicative ability, and persuasiveness. The FFA Creed is listed below in its entirety; this creed was written by E.M. Tiffany 80 years ago and has been a fixture in the agriculture education classroom ever since.
“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds — achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.
“I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.
“I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.
“I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so — for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.
“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.”
— Krysten Atchley