WV Farm Bureau Magazine December 2014 | Page 19

Friend Wows Crowd at Youth Speech Contest Jennifer Friend, daughter of West Virginia Farm Bureau members David and Debbie Friend of Braxton County, was the winner of the 2014 Flora Turner Memorial Youth Speech Contest, sponsored by the WVFB Women’s Leadership Committee. Jennifer was one of ten competitors in the contest, held at the WVFB Annual Meeting in November. Friend, who is currently a student at WVU majoring in Agriculture and Extension Education, is a member of the Braxton County FFA, where she served as chapter treasurer. She has extensive experience in public speaking competition, placing 4th in the state in creed speaking during her high school freshman year, as well as placing 2nd in the state in public speaking in 2013. She has distinguished herself with a number of other awards as well, including attaining the rank of silver in the national FFA Proficiency Awards. She received her state FFA degree in 2013, and plans to pursue the American FFA degree next year. Friend is also an 11- year member in 4-H, and belongs to the Braxton County Junior Leaders. Following her graduation from WVU, she plans to teach and attend graduate school. Jennifer says her “ultimate goal is to own a farm with Limousin cattle and Suffolk and Suffolk cross sheep.” Above, WLC Chair Pam Hessler presents Jennifer with her certificate. West Virginia Farm Bureau News 19