Bailey LaRue isn’t afraid of a little competition.
In fact, she thrives on it.
Bailey, a junior at Marmaton Valley High School and secretary for her school’s FFA chapter, said her favorite part of FFA is the competitions.
It’s not surprising, as she’s always taken part in competitive sports and 4-H.
In FFA, she’s tried out a lot of different types of contests: entomology, public speaking, meats, parliamentary law, ag sales.
With each subject she’s learned how to zone in on what makes them valuable to the world.
But even more important, she’s honed her communication and public speaking skills.
She remembers the first time she had to speak in public, which was actually a talk for 4-H.
“It was so scary,” she said. “Then I wanted to do another.”
That’s the competitive spirit.
BAILEY grew up with a rural background, so joining 4-H and FFA seemed to be a natural fit.
Even so, she believes there are some misconceptions that FFA means you need agricultural experience. You don’t.
“There are so many different types of projects you can do,” she saids. “You can always find something you are good at.”
FFA is also a lot of fun, she said.
One of her favorite events is coming up on Monday. That’s when MVHS FFA students will auction off six hours each for their labor.
Her freshman year, a farmer “bought” Bailey and had her babysit. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled last year’s auction, so Bailey and her classmates are excited for its return.
She’s also glad to be able to attend in-person contests again this year, after the pandemic forced those events online.
IN SPITE OF her agricultural experience, Bailey plans to take a different path after high school.
She plans to attend Labette Community College’s radiology program and work in the field of obstetrics sonography.
