Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Payson FFA (Agricultural Science) won five first place awards at the Northern FFA District Spring Career Development Event (CDE) this week at an event designed to help students think critically, communicate clearly and compete for jobs.

The 24 CDE events covered job skills in everything from communications to mechanics by allowing students to compete both individually and in teams.

Payson High School hosted the largest event of the year for the Northern FFA District. The seven schools competing included Monument Valley in Kayenta, Valley in Sanders, Ganado, Round Valley, Snowflake, Winslow and Young.

“Our kids competed in a wide range of events, and did fantastic,” said Jadee Rohner, PHS agricultural teacher.

Award winners include:

Public Speaking:

First place: Jessie White, discussing equine therapy and the effects it has had on life.

Second place: Briana Aguirre, discussing agricultural disadvantages of Asia.

Third place: Sarah Borges, discussing animal hoarding.

Conduct of meetings:

First place: Payson FFA

This freshman team included Shea Shields, Jaycie Shields, Brylee Hall, John Hughes, Neve Sopeland and Becky Bauer who had to memorize the FFA Opening Ceremonies and discuss business using parliamentary procedure.

Entomology:

First place Payson

Team members Emily Moreno, Emily Blakely, Robert Jones and Justin Huddlestun had to identify 25 insects by their scientific classification, type of metamorphis, mouthpart, feeding habits and behaviors.

Meat Evaluation:

First place: Payson

Catalina Schnepp, Reece Weaver and Adam Jergens worked with Bashas’ to identify 30 cuts of meat by their species, primal cut and retail cut, along with completing a quality and yield grade activity.

Job Interview:

Third Place: Heather Wortman

The competition required building a resumé, writing a cover letter and completing an interview. Brandon Rothwell also competed.

Horse Evaluation:

Chelsie Stodghill, Jessie White and Brylee Hall competed by judging three classes consisting of western pleasure, English pleasure, and gelding halter class at the Payson Event Center. Chelsie Stodghill had the highest score, followed by Jessie White.

Ag Mechanics:

Second place: Payson.

Donnie Smith, Jake Brundage, Kelton Bachtell, Luke Deeschemaker and Daniel Woolwine competed in Ag Mechanics with tests on electrical wiring, welding, plumbing, and completion of a team activity.

Livestock Evaluation:

First place: Payson

Amy Korth, Colton Jackson, Jewel Johnson, Wyatt Alford and John Hughes competed in judging lambs, hogs, steers, and goats.