Ten Wessington Springs High School FFA members earned state recognition at theSouthDakotaStateFFA Leadership Development Events (LDEs), held Dec. 7–8 in Box Elder.
More than 600 FFA members from across South Dakota competed after qualifying through districtlevel events. Students demonstrated leadership, communication, and career-readiness skills across a wide range of contests.
“Leadership Development Events are some of the most important skills that can be gained in FFA,” said Wessington Springs High School ag instructor and FFA advisor Brady Duxbury. “Think about what our students know how to do now.”
Leading the individual placings for Wessington Springs was Mercedes Jones, who earned second place in Employability Skills. The contest evaluates students on a job application, resume, letter of application, virtual pre-interview, and an inperson interview.
“She can probably get any job she interviews for,” Duxbury said, pointing to the real-world value of the competition.
Taryn Bartel placed fourth in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, where contestants are given 30 minutes to prepare and deliver an unrehearsed speech on an agricultural topic.
“She can be given a topic and prepare a speech in limited time,” Duxbury said. “That’s a skill that serves students well, far beyond FFA.”
In Ag Broadcasting, Alexis Roesler earned a fifth-place finish after preparing and delivering a five-minute agricultural radio newscast in just 30 minutes.
“She has the ability today to do interviews and wind up on the air waves,” Duxbury said.
Lily Roesler represented Wessington Springs in Prepared Public Speaking, presenting a researched agriculture-focused speech and answering judges’ questions.
In FFA Creed Speaking, Madilyn Gaikowski finished 11th at the state level.
“She will likely remember parts or all of the FFA Creed,” Duxbury said, noting the lasting impact of foundational FFA experiences.
The Wessington Springs FFA Chapter also earned a third-place finish in the Conduct of Chapter Meetings event. The team included Sutten Jensen, Taryn Bartel, Tenley Olinger, JR Hine, Lily Roesler, Madilyn Gaikowski, Jalene Reiner, and Wyatt Arhart.
“This group likely could run any meeting in any organization better than many adults,” Duxbury said.
Duxbury emphasized that while the awards are meaningful, the growth students experience through competition is what matters most.
“Regardless of the skills they perfected, the lessons they learned in these competition areas are universal to this crazy thing we call life,” he said. “Every single student who competed now has the ability and confidence to hone a skill and be judged, and that is the reason why these students deserve praise.”
Duxbury said earning a spot on the state stage reflects dedication far beyond a single day of competition.
“Making the stage is simply recognition for all the time, work, and dedication they have poured into their crafts,” he said.
“We are WS proud of our 10 we hauled, and 10 who earned the stage,” Duxbury added. “Congratulations to all the students who put talent and time into what is a great day for this program and community. Way to go, WS FFA members.”