FFA members take top honors at District Leadership Development events
The Osmond FFA Chapter demonstrated its commitment to “Premier Leadership,” as four members secured top honors at the District FFA Leadership Development Events (LDE) held on Nov. 19, 2025, at Osmond High School.
In a dominant showing, the chapter brought home three district champi- onships and a runner-up finish, with four out of 18 participating members qualifying for the state-level competition. Leading the charge in the speaking divisions were Addi von Rentzell and Ava Severson.
Addi von Rentzell was named the district champion in Natural Resources Speaking. This event requires members to research and deliver a six-to-eight-minute speech on topics such as soil conservation, water quality, or forestry. The winner must also defend their research during a rigorous five-minute question-and- answer session with industry judges.
Addi's speech addressed the benefits and risks of using anhydrous ammonia in crop production.
Ava Severson captured the title of district champion in Cooperative Speaking. This specialized contest focuses on the cooperative business model and its impact on the agricultural economy. Participants are judged on their ability to explain how cooperatives contribute to rural development and member success.
The chapter also saw unparalleled success in the Employment Skills LDE, which simulates the real-world hiring process. Members must submit a professional cover letter and resume, complete a job application, and undergo an interview with local professionals. Ava Reikofski earned the title of district champion in Employment Skills.AlexaAschoff followed closely behind as the district runner-up, giving the chapter a 1-2 sweep of the event.
“Watching these students step out of their comfort zones to speak with authority on complex agricultural issues is the most rewarding part of being an advisor,” said advisor Jessica Evans. “Their success in the Employment Skills contest, in particular, shows that they are graduating with the professional tools needed to land high-quality jobs in any industry”.
Other FFAmembers participating in the event included Addi von Rentzell, Ava Severson, and Alexa Aschoff in Ag Demo, receiving a blue ribbon; Clara Steinkraus, Adalyn Koehler, Katarina Miller, Evynn Kumm, Sunny Geneski, Payton Stech, and Nevaeh Newton in Conduct of Chapter Meetings, red ribbon; Nevaeh Newton and Katarina Miller in Creed Speaking, red ribbons each; Clara Steinkraus in Sr. Public Speaking, blue ribbon; Ashlyn Spangler in Sr. Public Speaking, red ribbon; Kenley Friedrich in Natural Resources Speaking, blue ribbon; Deanna Kumm and Aidan Stech in Extemporaneous Speaking, red ribbon each; Korrine Moes in Cooperative Speaking, blue ribbon; Easton Steinkraus in Jr. Public Speaking, fourth purple and state alternate; Adyson Poellot in Jr. Public Speaking, blue ribbon; and Alyvia Koehler, Kayleigh Bolz, Kendra Gardner, Kaylee Bahr, and Aubree Erickson in JH Quiz Bowl, blue ribbon.
The four state qualifiers will now begin preparing for the Nebraska State FFA Convention this spring.
