Abby Loesing, a senior-to-be at Washington High School, participated in the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy held June 8-10 on the University of Central Missouri campus sponsored by the University of Central Missouri’s Agriculture Department, Communications Department and the Missouri FFA Association.
Representing Washington High School FFA, Loesing earned a second-place finish in the Beginning Division. Abby is the daughter of Dale and Ann Loesing.
Students competed in the Beginning Division, Intermediate Division and Advanced Division.
The finalists from each division were awarded plaques and a state public speaking pin from the Missouri FFA Association. Awards were presented at a banquet held on June 10. Certificates of completion were given to each of the participants.
There were 40 FFA members from across the state participating in the three-day event. FFA members used their resources to develop and refine an effective speech.
Dr. Sam Cox, Terry Cunconan, Dr. Wendy Geiger, and Dr. Nikki Freeman from UCM’s Speech Communication Department conducted the three days of intense learning.
The academy was designed to help FFA members increase their confidence, develop organizational skills, use language effectively, analyze audiences, and improve speaking skills by judging themselves honestly and critically, while keeping a positive attitude. Each student presented their speech in competition at the conclusion of the academy.
The Missouri FFA has 25,375 members representing 348 chapters. The National FFA Organization has more than 760,000 members representing 8,739 local chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.