LDE Activities

Opening Closing Ceremonies Contest

The O/C contest is one in which students are able to practice their public speaking skills in a controlled manner by memorizing and, together with their team, reciting the official FFA Opening Ceremonies speaking parts in front of a panel of judges. Students are scored on their memorization of the script, as well as their speaking skills and stage presence. 

Creed Speaking / El Credo

This competition is intended for Freshman students only, as an introduction to public speaking. 9th graders are tasked with memorizing the FFA Creed, written by E.M. Tiffany and officially adopted by the organization in 1930 - the creed is  5 paragraphs expressing the strong belief in the industry of agriculture and the core values of citizenship and patriotism. For the contest, students memorize the 5 paragraphs of the creed and are scored on their memorization, speaking skills and stage presence, and ability to answer questions abut the FFA organization and agricultural issues.

In recent years, the organization has also adopted a Spanish version of this contest entitled "El Credo" in order to foster inclusivity and belonging within our world of agriculture.

Prepared Public Speaking

In this contest students are tasked with writing a 6+ minute speech about an agriculturally based topic or issue within the field of agriculture that they are passionate about. Students must perfect their speech, submit it for review and grading, and then perform their speech in front of a panel of judges. Students are scored on the content of their speeches, timing and memorization, public speaking skills, and their ability to respond to questions about their speech topic.