Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Excellence in Action –
of talent possible – contestants, parents, teachers
Last month Lacey Radabaugh
(particularly one very dedicated speech teacher/
(Farm Credit), Kevin Ellis
coach, Roberta Goff), award donors, judges, and the
(Antero Resources) and I had
Ritchie County Farm Bureau folks who annually host
the opportunity to judge and
the event. People of all ages fear public speaking.
witness some incredible young Some estimates indicate that up to 75% view public
talent during Ritchie County
speaking as their greatest fear. To have sixteen
Farm Bureau’s annual youth
speakers in a county event is truly amazing.
speech competition. I have
assisted judging the event over the years and thought
On the legislative front it has been anything but
I had likely seen the best overall group of speakers in normal with the announced departure of House
2012 – ten youth ranging from middle through high
Speaker Rick Thompson to become the next
school. I was wrong! While that group was most
Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Veterans
impressive, the sixteen young performers this year
Assistance. There has been much discussion and
established a new benchmark with their knowledge
speculation about who will be his replacement. By
and understanding of
the time you read this
agriculture, and amazing
article a frontrunner will
presentation skills.
have been identified,
Several of the speakers
and possibly elected,
presented their five-todepending on when
seven minute speech
Governor Tomblin calls
without the use of notes
a Special Session for this
– truly remarkable! One
purpose. Depending on
such speaker was Anna
the outcome, we could
Cokeley of Harrisville, a
see business somewhat
junior at Ritchie County
as usual, or a significant
High School. She won
shakeup resulting in new
the first place prize of
directions with many
an iPad 2 donated by
Participants in the Ritchie County Farm Bureau Youth new faces in leadership
Antero Resources and
positions – stay tuned!
Speech Contest.
Hall Drilling. Selica
Kopshina of Pennsboro,
Farm Bureau lost
also a junior at RCHS, captured second place and a
several friends recently, among them were: Bayard
Kindle Fire HD 7 donated by Dominion Resources
Butler, father of WVFB Executive Secretary Steve
Services, Inc. Placing third was Mykayla Garrett
Butler; Mary Hartman, wife of Delegate Bill
of Harrisville, a senior at RCHS. She received an
Hartman; Dolan Irvine, Ned Martin and Dwight
iPod Touch 32GB donated by McCullough-Rogers & Moyers – former and/or retired agriculture teachers;
Raiguel Funeral Homes.
and Albert Wilfong, father of WVFB President
Charles Wilfong. Our friends will be missed. A
The sixteen exciting young performers in the
quote from a friend says it best – “When those we
2013 youth speech competition were each winners
care about become a memory, that memory truly
in their own right. Their commitment to excellence
becomes a treasure.” Until next time, take care
resulted in a delightful and enlightening experience
FRIENDS, God bless and KEEP SMILING.
for all involved. West Virginia Farm Bureau
applauds the efforts of those who made this display
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5