Youth News
Meet the National Proficiency Winner in Landscape Management-Entrepreneurship/Placement--Talon Alexander of Madill
Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:48:10 CDT
The Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students can compete for awards in 49 areas covering everything from Agricultural Communications to Wildlife Management. Each award area has two categories, placement and entrepreneurship- although in some award area- those two categories are combined.
Placement proficiency awards are given to those whose SAEs are related to employment, apprenticeships, or internships at an agribusiness or agriculture-related organization. Entrepreneurship proficiency awards are given to those whose SAEs are related to ownership of an agribusiness or agriculture-related organization. Proficiency awards are given out at the local, state and national levels. .
Here in 2012, Oklahoma has advanced and brought to Indianapolis 20 National Profiency Finalists out of the 49, which was the third most Finalists behind Georgia and California. By the end of the afternoon on Friday, Oklahoma had claimed 8 National Profiency Titles, matching the number the state claimed two years ago at the national convention. Georgia claimed ten national titles, with Oklahoma and Georgia well ahead of other states with multiple titles in the Profiency Award categories.
The 2012 National Proficiency Award in Landscape Management-Entrepreneurship/Placement was awarded to Talon Alexander of the Madill FFA Chapter.
At three years old, Alexander had a toy bubble mower so he could mow the lawn just like his dad. Eventually that wasn't enough so he would pester his father to use the real thing. Today, he owns and manages his own landscaping business. Having gone from his first three clients to a base of 15, he's even been contracted by his home town and elderly women in his church, trusting in his abilities and skills. Alexander is supported by his parents Gena and Darren and his FFA advisors Allen Serner and Bart and Michelle Harper.
Alexander says he has undertaken a multitude of projects for clients in and around Madill. He says he has found that creating residential flower beds, raised beds and water gardens not only add beauty to his community, but they also add to his bottom line as well.
Running every aspect of a small business has been a big challenge, Alexander says, but his public speaking, ag classes and FFA helped prepare him for success.
Click on the LISTEN BAR below to learn more about this National Proficiency Award winner from Oklahoma.
Our exclusive coverage from the 2012 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis is a service of the Oklahoma FFA Association and the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association. Click here for more information about this youth organization. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
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