Within the FFA, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive events. Leadership Development Events (LDEs), held in the fall, provide a platform for students to demonstrate essential skills such as public speaking, decision-making, communication, and their understanding of agriculture and the FFA organization.
This year, two Frenship FFA students advanced to the highly competitive state contest, held at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville on December 6 and 7. Bliss Bessire and Mallory Meadows proudly represented Frenship, showcasing excellence as they earned a top ten placement in their individual contests.
Bessire, a senior at Frenship High School, participated in the Job Interview competition, which involved submitting a resume, filling out a job application for an agricultural position, and completing a series of interviews, including a phone interview, a one-on-one interview, and a panel interview with potential employers. Meadows, a freshman, competed in the Greenhand Creed Speaking contest, where she recited the FFA Creed from memory and answered questions about its significance and purpose.
With over 180,000 members, the Texas FFA saw more than 120,000 students participate in LDEs this year, highlighting the organization’s widespread engagement and commitment to leadership development.
Following the first day of preliminary heats, both Bessire and Meadows performed well enough in their respective events to advance to the finals the next day. After another rigorous day of competition, Bessire claimed the title of State Runner-Up in Job Interview, while Meadows earned an impressive 6th place in Greenhand Creed Speaking.
Kelsea Jones, an Agriculture Science teacher at FHS and FFA Advisor, stated she is incredibly proud of the dedication and extra effort each student put into their respective contests to reach this level.
“Seeing Bliss secure 2nd place in the state—a remarkable feat—and Mallory achieve 6th place was truly humbling,” said Jones. “Words cannot capture the level of difficulty involved in these contests or the pride I feel in their success. It has been an honor to play a small role in their journey, and it brings me immense joy to know I was able to contribute to their growth and achievements.”
Months and years of hard work have led up to this moment for these determined students. Bessire first started her journey in the Job interview contest three years ago. Each year, she honed her skills by participating in mock interviews with agricultural business and industry professionals, receiving valuable critiques, and continuously improving her performance.
For Meadows, this year marked her first opportunity to compete in FFA's LDE competitions, which are exclusively for high school members. Starting in October, she committed to early morning practice sessions three times a week with Jones, focusing on perfecting her recitation of the FFA Creed and preparing for related questions. Meadows first learned the Creed in Matthew Huston's Principles of Agriculture class, building on that foundation with determination to succeed in the competition
Participating in LDEs withing the FFA provides students with invaluable skills that prepare them for life after high school. Competitions like the Job Interview and Greenhand Creed Speaking contests teach essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, professionalism, and confidence—qualities that are crucial for success in both higher education and the workforce.
Jones explained that these experiences teach students discipline, time management, and how to respond constructively to feedback, building a foundation for lifelong success.
“FFA LDEs not only foster leadership and personal growth, but also ensure students leave high school with practical skills and confidence to excel in any path they choose,” said Jones.
The Job Interview contest equips students with real-world experience in crafting resumes, writing cover letters, and presenting themselves effectively during interviews, directly preparing them for future career opportunities. Similarly, the Greenhand Creed Speaking contest enhances public speaking abilities, cultivates poise under pressure, and instills a deep understanding of core values that can guide students in their personal and professional lives.
Frenship is incredibly proud of Bliss and Mallory and looks forward to celebrating their continued success both in and out of the classroom.
Congratulations!