Amanda-Clearcreek FFA’s Emma Strickler Earns National Champion in Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development

 
AMANDA, Ohio (November 2, 2026) – Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools (A-C) is proud to announce that A-C Class of 2026 Graduate and FFA student, Emma Strickler, was named the national champion in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event during the 99^th National FFA Organization Convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis, Ind. Strickler is the district’s first-ever National FFA Champion.
 
“The A-C district is extremely proud of Emma for this history-making accomplishment for A-C FFA and our entire district,” said Dr. Timothy Edwards, superintendent of Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools. “We’re fortunate to have an FFA program with tenured success, thanks to our dedicated advisors, passionate students and supportive community. Congratulations to Emma for all of her hard work leading up to this championship, and to the A-C FFA chapter on this huge milestone.”
 
Throughout National Convention, Strickler excelled through three rounds of competition over two days. She was required to draw three random, ag-related topics from a pool of 18 and then pick one of the three. Participants were given 30 minutes to prepare a four- to six-minute speech to deliver in front of the judges. Emma delivered her speech in all three rounds without using note cards.
 
“There are over one million FFA Members in the nation and only one national champion in extemporaneous public speaking,” said Scott Sharp, A-C FFA advisor. “All of the work, study, practice, research, and the countless number of speeches over her four years have paid off in spades.” 
 
Strickler has a successful track record in public speaking during her involvement in A-C FFA. She was among the final four in the state of Ohio in FFA Creed Speaking as a freshman. As a sophomore, she earned state champion in Beginning Prepared Speaking. Her junior year, she earned state champion and 5th in the nation in Prepared Speaking. Her senior year, she again earned the state champion title and now, following her recent graduation, holds the national champion title. She earned numerous other banners and state championships in Ag Communication, Ag Issues, Ag Sales and Job Interview.
 
For more information about Amanda-Clearcreek Local Schools, visit www.amanda.k12.oh.us.
 
The Amanda-Clearcreek Local School District believes all students can learn, have the right to a quality education, and should be treated with respect and dignity. The district is focused on preparing graduates to become productive community members and life-long learners while being transparent and good stewards of taxpayer dollars. The district office is located at 328 E. Main St. in Amanda, Ohio.