The annual Delta-Cal Section Opening and Closing Competition has always given Escalon FFA members the opportunity to show off their public speaking skills and this year’s was certainly no exception.

The competition was held on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. Traditionally, the Opening and Closing Competition has been held at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds; however, due to concerns over wildfires, the event location was switched last minute to the San Joaquin Fairgrounds. Fortunately, despite the initial confusion, the Competition proceeded successfully as usual.

The opening and closing competition is a public speaking competition in which teams formed by FFA officers as well as members perform the traditional opening and closing ceremony – which is recited at every FFA meeting – in front of a panel of judges. Teams are adjudicated based on their public speaking prowess, professionalism, leadership, and team work ethic.

This year, Escalon FFA had a very successful performance with the Open Team two receiving a Silver Ranking, the Greenhand (freshmen) and Officer teams both receiving a gold ranking, and Open Team one being placed at the top of their category as outstanding Open Team.

While no physical hardware in the form of ribbons was given out at this competition, all who participated can walk away knowing that their chapter and community are both extremely proud of them and that they won some bragging rights along the way.