Nine Mount Olive College Students Compete in Farm Bureau Discussion Meet
MOUNT OLIVE – Nine University of Mount Olive students recently competed at the regional level in the Collegiate Discussion Meet sponsored by the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation. The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation, and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
“In order to participate we had to research a number of issues important to the future of agriculture” stated Edward Olive, a senior studying agriculture education of Benson. Olive and sophomore Hannah Singleton of Goldsboro were the top two competitors emerging from the regional competition and both moved to the state level competition in Raleigh to pair off against students from NC State University and NC A&T State University.
“It was a great experience to participate at the state level and to discuss and offer solutions to the many issues that are facing agriculture now and in the future. I look forward to competing again next year and hopefully moving to the next level of competition,” stated Singleton.
Other competitors included senior Larry Edwards of Roseboro, junior Melissa Mayo of Smithfield, junior Alaina Airheart of Mount Pleasant, senior Brittany Mitchell of Smithfield, junior Brian Carter of Clinton, senior Amanda Ropp of Newton Grove, and sophomore Morgan Gay of Rocky Mount. Competitors must be engaged in curriculums in agriculture and state level competitors receive a cash award for their efforts.
“This is an opportunity not only for students to learn about pertinent issues in agriculture, but to improve their verbal communication and persuasion skills to offer solutions for these issues,” stated Dr. Sandy Maddox, advisor for this effort. “While there can only be two that can advance, all of the students benefit from participating in this event.”
University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.
Pictured, left to right: Larry Edwards, Alaina Airheart, Hannah Singleton, Ed Olive, Amanda Ropp, Brian Carter, Melissa Mayo, Brittany Mitchell, and Morgan Gay