Clifton Ridge Middle School eighth-grade student and Future Farmers of America (FFA) officer Reagan Crawford celebrated a significant achievement, winning first place in the Creed Speaking Competition at the Georgia FFA State Convention and securing her spot at the national competition.
Crawford began her journey to becoming a state champion at the sub-area competition, where she earned first place among 30 competitors, receiving a perfect score from the judges.
She then advanced to the area competition, where she again placed first, competing against 12 participants and achieving three perfect scores from the judges.
Crawford competed among the top 12 at the state competition and secured a place in the top four. This achievement allowed her to recite the FFA Creed in front of 6,000 attendees, showcasing her skills and securing her spot at the national competition.
Agriculture Teacher Tania Henderson elaborated on Crawford’s accomplishment.
“The FFA Creed Speaking Career Development Event is a public speaking competition for seventh through ninth-grade FFA members. Participants recite the five paragraphs of the FFA Creed from memory and then answer questions about its meaning and personal significance,” she said.
Henderson discussed the Creed’s significance, highlighting the core values of FFA, which emphasize agriculture, hard work, and rural life, as well as the criteria for judging Crawford.
“Contestants are judged on memorization, voice, stage presence, expression, overall delivery, and their ability to respond thoughtfully to questions,” she said.
The event provides numerous benefits to FFA students.
“This event helps students develop public speaking skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of FFA principles,” Henderson said.
She also expressed her pride in being Crawford’s mentor.
“Reagan has competed in Creed speaking since she was in sixth grade. It has been an honor to watch her grow and develop into the speaker she is today. I am so proud of her and know she will continue to do amazing things in her future,” she said.
Media Specialist Michelle Zellner also praised Crawford for her outstanding accomplishment.
“Her dedication, poise, and passion for agriculture set her apart. Now she is heading to nationals in October to represent our state on a big stage. We could not be prouder of you, Reagan. Keep chasing greatness; your FFA family is cheering you on all the way,” Zellner said.
Crawford was delighted with the achievement.
“I’m so excited and grateful to have the privilege of going to nationals this October,” she said.
She reflected on her hard work throughout middle school that led her to become a state champion.
“Seeing how far I have come from sixth grade to now is amazing and still shocking. I am thankful to my advisor, officer team and family for supporting me throughout this journey; I could not have done it without them. This has been such an incredible experience, and I am ready to see where it takes me next. Little sixth grade me would be so proud to see how far she has come,” she said.
The national competition will take place in Indianapolis in October. To prepare, Crawford plans to recite the Creed in front of as many audiences as possible, watch videos of past winners and study previous questions.
