Nov. 1, 2013

Gainesville, Fla. – Amanda James of Union County captured top honors in Florida Farm Bureau’s 2013 Discussion Meet. Her victory was based upon outstanding skills as a group leader, a public speaker and a willingness to work cooperatively with peers.
The meet was held during Florida Farm Bureau’s 2013 Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach on Oct. 23.
James won the competition by finishing as the top candidate in two rounds of discussion. Participants must be able to examine any one of five topics announced in advance, collaborate with others in a public discussion format and help formulate solutions to the problem or issue under consideration.
For her efforts James earned an ATV, courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life, and a check for $500. She will now represent Florida in the national discussion meet at the American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in San Antonio in January. As the state winner, James will also receive an all-expense-paid trip to the event.