FFA CREED CONTEST: I Believe in …

by Sierra Foster,
Custer County FFA Chapter Reporter
High School’s FFA students recently took the stage in the school’s west gym to participate in the FFA Creed Contest. The contest showcases their confidence, knowledge of principles of agricultural leadership, and dedication to the Chapter.
The FFA Creed, written in 1930 by E.M. Tiffany has guided generations of agriculturists. Tiffany, a longtime educator and agricultural advocate, composed the Creed to articulate the values of the organization. Hard work, service, leadership, and the promise of the American agricultural way of life are central to the Creed. The Creed has been revised twice to its current version. Saturday, October 4th the chapter held their annual Creed Speaking Competition. A century long tradition, and necessary completion to be a part of FFA. Freshman, or first year members spend the beginning of the school year memorizing the FFA Creed, by E.M Tiffany. They then recite the Creed, and the judges follow up with three questions relating to the creed, FFA, or agriculture.

Local judges Brittany Van Duesen, Sara Shields, and Kobe Lewsader had a difficult time narrowing the field to the top three. This year, seven hardworking freshmen completed the Creed, one will continue to the regional competition. The winners for this year’s Creed Contest are 1st place, Killian Petek; 2nd place Allie Tomassoni; and 3rd place Keera Petek. First place winner, Killian Petek will represent the Custer County chapter at the Colorado Regional FFA Creed Speaking Contest in November.
Judges, parents and peers praised the participants for their dedication and effort. “Memorizing the creed is more than a requirement,” said Eddie Crispe, FFA Advisor. “It’s about understanding what it means to be a leader in agriculture and in life. I’m really proud of these kids.”
The Creed Contest is just one of many opportunities for students to grow as leaders, public speakers, and advocates for agriculture. The skills they are building in FFA will serve them well in school, career, and community life.

The Custer County FFA Chapter is working hard as their annual events are around the corner. They are excited to see what this new year will bring and all the ways they will grow the chapter. The new officer team for the year is composed of 3 third-year officers, 3 second-year officers, and 2 first-year officers. All with experience behind their belts, they have confidence in their ability to improve the chapter and in the fact that 7 of the 8 senior officers will leave the chapter in good hands. The new officers were appointed to their positions, May 4th, 2025, at their annual parent member banquet. They are, Brylee Shy – President; Alexis Grossardt – Vice President; Marin Foster-Secretary; Docerty McCoy- Treasurer; Sierra Foster- Reporter; Stephanie Lewis-Sentinel; Hayden Hampton- Historian; and Grant Rusk- Parliamentarian.
In other FFA news; Locals looking forward to the Chapter’s annual Fruit Sale will be glad to know that the time to order is almost here. FFA members will have their fruit sheets by the end of October so look for the opportunity to purchase your holiday fruit soon. Fruit will be delivered in mid December.
The next big event for the FFA Chapter is a community favorite: The Custer County FFA Annual Oyster Fry. Rocky Mountain Oysters that is (chicken tenders are available for the faint of heart). The dinner is open to all. Mark your calendars for supper on November 15th at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The meal will include Rocky Mountain Oysters or chicken fingers, fries, dessert, and tea or lemonade.
For more information please contact the Custer County FFA Chapter Reporter, Sierra Foster, through Advisor Eddie Crispe  at eddie.crispe@ccbobcats.net.