Alva Review-Courier -

The Woods County Conservation District hosted the county wide Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts speech contest on Oct. 13 at the district office in Freedom. The Division I category consists of students in 8th-10th grades and the Division II category consists of 11th and 12th grades. Each contestant could choose any aspect of natural resources as a topic.

Kari Nixon (right) preents the Division I Championship certificate to Shay Wilson.

Division I Champion is Shay Wilson of Freedom Public Schools, with her speech "Care for Land and Life." Division II Champion is Kaitlynn Rhodes of Freedom Public Schools, with her speech "Superheroes of the World." Division II Reserve Champion is Jaci Weber of Freedom Public Schools, with her speech "Multiple Uses of Our Resources."

The contestants have been working diligently to write, prepare, and memorize their speeches since the beginning of the school year. Choosing a topic about natural resources and incorporating the Woods County Conservation District's cooperation in maintaining that resource are requirements for the contest. The Woods County contest is only the first step in competition.

Each Champion and Reserve Champion has the opportunity to advance to the Area I contest held in Fairview on Nov. 4. Top two placing individuals at the Area I contest are then eligible to compete at the state speech contest in February.