Elliott wins Wyoming Society for Range Management speech competition

WORLAND — The Wyoming section for the Society of Range Management holds an annual meeting that includes a six-to eight-minute prepared speech presentation on a range topic for high school-aged students.

For the past 10 years or so the Chief Washakie FFA has been participating in the contest. The annual meeting rotates around the state so it has given students/members the opportunity to present in a variety of Wyoming locations and in front of today’s leaders on Wyoming Range.

This year Jade Hefenieder, a ninth grader and new FFA member presented on “How to Make a Beef Hamburger” while senior, Hunter Elliott gave his presentation on cheat grass. They presented their speeches to a room full of range professionals, including local experts Mae Smith and Ray Gullion.

FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey said, “Both did an outstanding job. Hunter placed first winning $100 and an all-expense paid trip the International High School Youth Forum held in Reno, Nevada, in February 2018. Jade placed second and also won $100 for her efforts.”

Godfrey said the Chief Washakie FFA has historically done very well at this contest. Recent previous winners include: Elizabeth Martinez, Matt Borovatz, Buck Butterfield, Augi Richards, Seth Peterson, Karyn Rieger and Kate Richardson.