Miles Community College will be represented at the upcoming National Collegiate Discussion Meet, sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation of Young Farmers and Ranchers. MCC Student Kelly Rehm, of Miles City, will compete at the national collegiate event, after having competed at the state level.
Rehm faced three other collegiate clubs before placing second in the Montana State Discussion Meet last fall in Bozeman. The first-place winner was not able to attend the national event, and Rehm was chosen in place. Rehm will be the first student from MCC to compete at the national level.
While normally held in person, this year’s national event will be held virtually March 9-13, with one college student representing each of the fifty states. The meet consists of students preparing for 20 to 25-minute discussions on a variety of subjects given ahead of time. Each student is given five questions in advance to research, but only given one of those topics chosen randomly to discuss in front of a panel of judges. Students must win four rounds of discussions spread out among five days to win the entire competition. Topics include agriculture, climate issues, broadband technology, and international or global trading.
“I’m really excited and a little bit nervous,” commented Rehm about the opportunity. “I am extremely proud to represent Miles Community College!”
Rehm is currently completing the Ag and Natural Resources pathway program at the college and plans to transfer to the University of Wyoming upon graduating, where she will be pursuing a degree in Ag Business. She is an active member in the MCC Young Farmers and Ranchers Club and participates in student service activities throughout the year.
“We are so excited to have Kelly representing the college,” says MCC Ag Instructor, Kim Gibbs. “She is a great asset to our student body, and this is a great accomplishment for both her and the college. We know she will make MCC proud!”
The Montana Farm Bureau Federation will be sponsoring a $500 scholarship in addition to prize money won at the national level.
