West Holmes FFA Wins Competitions, Strengthens Community Leadership

West Holmes FFA members returned to Holmes County this week with competition results and a visible presence in community celebrations. In November the chapter saw multiple placings in job interview contests and parliamentary procedure competitions, and on December 11 the group joined the Millersburg Christmas Parade with a Grinch themed float to escort Santa into town.

At the Sub District Job Interview Contest on November 6 at Hillsdale High School, seniors and underclassmen from West Holmes earned high finishes. Senior Madison Ringwalt finished fourth at the sub district level. Junior Shane Lorentz placed third at the sub district contest. Sophomore Mia Spencer won the sub district and went on to place second at the District Job Interview Contest. Freshman Conner Allison and other chapter members also placed highly in chapter level job interviews. Those events simulate employment interviews and evaluate communication, professionalism, and career readiness.

Parliamentary procedure contests were held November 23 at Hillsdale and November 25 at Wellington. The West Holmes senior team won the sub district parliamentary procedure competition before advancing to districts where the team placed sixth. These contests test students on running a business meeting, use of motions, debate quality and general knowledge. Success in these areas translates into stronger leadership capacity for student government, community boards and local organizations.

For Holmes County residents the outcomes matter beyond trophies. Participation in FFA career development activities builds skills that affect employment prospects, educational attainment and economic opportunity, all of which are social determinants of health. The chapter s visibility in the holiday parade also reinforces social cohesion and community support networks that protect mental wellbeing during the winter months.

The combined results of competition and community service point to the value of sustained investment in rural career technical education, mentoring and youth mental health services. As West Holmes students gain interview skills and meeting experience, they also illuminate equity gaps that local schools and policymakers can address to expand access and support for all young people in the county.