BATESVILLE — The Batesville High School FFA chapter participated in the District XII Leadership Contest at East Central High School March 8.  “The contest was designed to help students achieve a higher level of communication and public speaking skills, as members participate in demonstrations, talents and speaking competitions,” said BHS adviser Cassie Mumaw. 

Awards were presented for each contest at the end of the evening as well as recognition for students who won their respective proficiency areas of work or entrepreneurship. 

Megan Doll, Hayley Huntington, Jacob Schwab and Jared Laker were on the quiz bowl team.  Doll also participated in the creed speaking contest, memorizing a five-paragraph speech that outlined what FFA is and its motive to make a better world. Doll earned a first-place finish, qualifying her to compete at the state convention in June at Purdue University. 

Rae Strobel and Ryan Thornsberry presented an animal science demonstration as Katie Miller gave a food science presentation. 

Josh Nuhring and Jacob Schwab competed in the agriculture mechanics competition,  giving a demonstration on small engines.  Neal Nobbe and Chad Emsweller’s farm management demonstration captured a third place.

Holly Laker placed third in the job interview contest.

Proficiency awards were received as BHS had four district winners and a district runner-up.  Continuous member Andrea Doll, employed at the Lawrenceburg Vet Clinic, walked away with the win in veterinary medicine. Chad Jones, who owns and operates a personal mowing service in Oldenburg, rose to the top of his division in turf grass management. 

Junior Colt Narwold, a Narwold Family Farm employee, had an exceptional proficiency in dairy production.  Junior Josh Nuhring, who owns a beef herd, excelled in beef production proficiency. Rae Strobel was the equine management runner-up for District XII. 

Each of the four proficiency winners will submit their paperwork along with Doll’s small animal production and Harmeyer’s home and community development to the state for  placings at that level. 

The most prestigious awards in Supervise Agriculture Experiences were given at the evening’s peak.

Chad Jones, the son of Mike and Amy Jones, Oldenburg, was chosen to be the District XII Star in Agribusiness.  He will undergo interviews and inspection of his mowing operation during the State Star in Agribusiness competition.

According to Mumaw, “BHS FFA walked away from the district leadership contest with nine awards, which is a huge achievement ... Merely two years ago, they only earned two awards.”

“We look toward a bright future as the students continue to work hard in areas of their interest and enjoy their time in FFA and agriculture education.”