On Friday, March 22, WTAMU hosted its annual FFA Organization Career Development Event (CDE) Invitational Contest. There were approximately 2,000 high school students competing in various events on the WT campus.

With career opportunities abound within today’s agricultural industry, CDEs help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.

“I think competing and judging is extremely beneficial,” Layne Jones, a Canyon High School junior, said. “You can learn a lot of skills by competing in the various events. It will help you in the future to become successful in whatever career you choose in agriculture.”

There are 24 CDEs covering job skills in everything from communications to mechanics.

“I like the web design part of the competition,” Morgan Adams, junior Agricultural Media and Communications major, said. “This part of the contest helps expose students to programs they will use later on in life.”

Some events allowed students to compete as individuals, while others allowed them to compete in teams.

“Judging in FFA teaches students leadership and responsibility not only as individuals but also to work together as a team,” Jones said.

WT has hosted its own annual invitational CDE for years. While other CDEs are a part of a system of ascending competitions, WT’s event is a one-time, stand-alone learning opportunity.

Michael Bowman, senior Agricultural Education major, is student teaching at Nazareth High School this semester. He helped coach and assist his students with various competitions throughout the day.

“I think that it is important that WT hosts this CDE,” Bowman said. “It brings recognition to WT with several surrounding high schools coming to compete on the campus.”