On January 30, 2025, students from Michigan FFA’s Region IV participated in the district leadership contest in Byron. This contest is commonly known as “Leadership Development Events” or “LDEs” to FFA students and teachers. 

Stockbridge FFA student teacher, Marissa Petiprin Ball, was once one of these students who participated in LDEs. However, looking back years later, she’s excited to see just how transformative LDEs have been. 

“It was cool to see the community come together and build FFA culture around things that people enjoy,” Petiprin Ball said. “It’s awesome to see students be active in career goals and future goals.”

But LDEs aren’t just fun activities for students to participate in, they also require hard work. Eighth-grader Klayre Smith participated in the Creed Speaking competition. For this competition, participants recite the 258 words long FFA Creed which has been around since 1928. The judges score the participants based on accuracy, presentation and responses to questions. Smith, however, felt prepared for the task at hand.

“It was a lot of preparation, a lot of practicing and reciting the Creed,” Smith said. “But I didn’t really know what to expect. It was my first time and I was kind of nervous.” 

Even in the midst of her nervousness, Smith excelled with flying colors. Smith placed second overall as a first-year participant and moved on to the regional contest. Although Smith will be unable to attend the regional contest, she’s still proud of what she accomplished. 

“I felt that I was very, very strong. I struggled a little on the second question but I felt confident and proud of what I did,” Smith said.

In spite of her nervousness, Smith encourages everyone “to not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and be alone in anything.”