Lakeview FFA members placed at the area and state level in Leadership Development Events (LDE’s). Leadership Development Events are structured very similarly to Career Development Events FFA members compete in throughout the year, but the focus of the events shift more to leadership development for the student. The benefits received from participating in an LDE include public speaking skills, communication strategies, leadership growth, confidence, memorization skills, and teaching strategies.

Emily Windham placed 3rd in the Area II contest in Employment Skills. Participants in the Employment Skills LDE submit a resume, complete job applications and participate in mock job interviews with a panel of possible employers. Nicky Wiggins placed 4th in the Area II Extemporaneous Speaking competition. In the Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE, participants are given 30 minutes to deliver a speech on one of three assigned agricultural topics. Students must learn to think on their feet and develop an argument quickly and persuasively. Salem Johnson placed 1st in the Area II Geaux Teach Ag competition and moved on to the state level where she placed 4th in the State. Participants in the Geaux Teach Ag LDE prepare and deliver a lesson relevant to the field of agriculture, this year the Geaux Teach Ag topic was plant science.

Pictured above: Emily and Nicky Area: Nicky Wiggins placed 4th in the Area II Extemporaneous Speaking LDE and Emily Windham placed 3rd in the Area II Employment Skills LDE.