Special to the HT
RBC | Their journey to the National FFA Convention didn’t begin in a competition—it began with a commitment to the community.
Following the wildfires that affected the Meeker area last year, five Meeker High School FFA members chose to tackle an issue that hit close to home. Rather than simply studying wildfire management for their contest, they challenged themselves to better understand the difficult decisions about wildfire prevention practices and active management revolving around four unique perspectives.
The team—Sidney Keetch, Brooklynn Kirkpatrick, Lauryn Shults, Hayden Garcia, and Lilly Newman—developed a moderated panel discussion centered on a question many residents have asked: Should forests be actively managed to reduce wildfire risk, or should natural fire cycles be allowed to shape the landscape? As the team prepares for nationals, Autumn Stallings will step into Newman’s role. The students travel to Indianapolis for Nationals this October with their coach and FFA Advisor, Deneé Dinwiddie.
Rather than arguing for one solution, the students researched multiple viewpoints and presented them through individual roles of a mediator, a US Forest Service official, a local rancher, and an environmental advocate. They’re goal wasn’t to declare a winner in the debate, but to present two sides of a vast topic and help audiences understand that wildfire management is a complex issue with no one simple answer.
On their journey to the National Convention, the team brought the conversation directly to the community. Throughout the year, they presented to Meeker Town Council, Meeker Cattlewomen, Meeker School Board, the Mason’s Banquet, as well as local Fire Department and BLM and Forest service. Their presentations encouraged thoughtful discussions about an issue that pervasively affects the area’s forests, ranches, wildfire, recreation, and overall way of life.
The team’s commitment to research, impassioned dialogue, and community education impressed judges throughout the competition season. After winning the district contest, they claimed the state championship at the Colorado State FFA Convention in Pueblo, earning the opportunity to represent Colorado at the national FFA Convention this fall.
Traveling to nationals is an incredible honor, but it also comes with significant expenses. The team has been overwhelmed by the encouragement and generosity of the Meeker community and continues to raise funds for the trip through several local events. Community members are invited to attend Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night at the Fairfield Center on Friday, July 11, at 6 p.m., as well as Dinner and Auction at Trappers Lake Lodge on Thursday, July 24. Additional fundraising efforts will take place during Meekerpalooza and County Fair. The team is grateful for every donation, meal purchased, auction bid, and word of encouragement as they prepare to proudly represent Meeker, and the State of Colorado on the national stage.
By BROOKLYN KIRKPATRICK