On Oct. 20, Buena Park Future Farmers of America (Buena Park FFA) hosted their first ever annual Opening and Closing Public Speaking competition for the Orange Section FFA. Orange County schools participating in the competition included Sonora, Sunny Hills, Westminster, Mission Viejo, Don Lugo, Fullerton, Covina, La Habra and Buena Park.
On Oct. 20, Buena Park Future Farmers of America (Buena Park FFA) hosted their first ever annual Opening and Closing Public Speaking competition for the Orange Section FFA. Orange County schools participating in the competition included Sonora, Sunny Hills, Westminster, Mission Viejo, Don Lugo, Fullerton, Covina, La Habra and Buena Park.
Buena Park FFA continues to grow on a leadership level, and chapter level. At the 2013 Opening and Closing Public Speaking Invitational, Buena Park went from zero placement on advanced teams, nor novice to second place in advanced finals, and fifth place in the novice finals for the Orange Section Opening and Closing competition.
The Orange Section “outstanding advanced secretary award” was proudly given to senior Jennifer Vazquez. Vazquez says her favorite part about the opening and closing competition is the experience of working with other individuals and being a part of a hard working and competitive team.
Vazquez also added that the experience she has gained through public speaking in the opening and closing contest will help her later in life. For Vazquez, she has learned how to speak in front of hundreds of people and get over her fear of stage fright. Buena Park FFA will continue their hard work, dedication, and passion to do their best at any competition whether it’s public speaking, showing livestock, or scrapbook competitions.
In other news about the Buena Park FFA, the organization participated in the 2014 annual SOCAL leadership conference hosted in Indio. The conference was another amazing success for Buena Park FFA.
Buena Park FFA members learned multiple leadership skills while still having a wonderful Saturday morning and afternoon. Jessica Fernandes, the organization’s advisor, loves the idea that students can get their five required FFA points and learn so much from this organization, for example speaking and teamwork, making friends, having fun, and growing so much as individuals in a way that they didn’t even think was possible.
What could be better? Buena Park FFA member and junior Eric Loges felt that it was not only a very well put together learning experience, but he also learned multiple ways to be a leader and help new people throughout his life.
Loges’ favorite part of the “SOCAL” leadership conference was the ending skit put on by the Southern Region FFA officer team.
On Sept. 27, Buena Park FFA hosted their second monthly meeting! Chapter members practiced multiple skills that they will later on use throughout their life. Buena Park FFA advisor Jessica Fernandes, thought the monthly meeting was a success!
With 185 attendees students practiced their teamwork and analyzing skills participating in a scavenger hunt and puzzle activity while practicing the FFA Pledge “To practice brotherhood, honor agricultural opportunities, and responsibilities, and develop those qualities of leadership which an FFA member should possess.”
Jessica feels the school and community should be very proud of our FFA leadership team, and helpful volunteers who helped make this event possible, and successful.
