By Anna Gerike
REEDSBURG, WI – Members of the Reedsburg FFA competed in District 18 Leadership Development Event (LDE) on Monday, Feb. 2, in New Lisbon. These events serve as competitive public speaking contests designed to sharpen the communication and leadership skills of both middle and high school members.
The LDEs offer a wide array of competitive categories, ranging from the Middle School and High School Quiz Bowls to individual events like Employment Skills, Creed Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. Other categories include Prepared Public Speaking, Discussion Meet, Agricultural Issues Forum, Conduct of Chapter Meetings, and Parliamentary Procedure.
Representing Reedsburg this year are seven dedicated students who have been working non-stop to prepare for eight different competitions. The high school roster includes Anna Gerike ’26, Ada Larson ’26, Braelynn Meister ’26, Jenna Bretsch ’27, Emma Casey ’28, Nathan Fletcher ’29 and Bristol Schulte ’29.
Reedsburg’s competitive lineup for Monday includes:
Employment Skills: Anna Gerike and Emma Casey
Prepared Public Speaking & Extemporaneous Speaking: Braelynn Meister
Extemporaneous Speaking: Nathan Fletcher
Creed Speaking: Bristol Schulte
Discussion Meet: Jenna Bretsch and Ada Larson
In addition to these individual and small-group events, Reedsburg will also send two Middle School Quiz Bowl teams to the competition.
As part of the Wisconsin FFA structure, Reedsburg competes within Section 6, District 18. They will be facing off against fellow District 18 chapters from Baraboo, Lodi, Mauston, New Lisbon, Sauk Prairie, Weston, and Wisconsin Dells.
RESULTS!
Emma Casey: 1st Place Employment Skills
Braelynn Meister: 2nd Place Prepared Public Speaking
Good Luck at Sectionals ladies!
Thank you Mr. Casey for the photos!