Taylor McConnell of Wellston is proud to show the trophy she earned as the second place winner in her category at the American Farmers & Ranchers State Speech Contest. She competed in Intermediate Science at Oklahoma State University in Still-water last week. Nearly 500 students took part in the 75th year of the contest. The top three competitors in each category receive cash awards. Pictured with Taylor are AFR/Oklahoma Farmers Union President Scott Blubaugh, right, and Tate McConnell of Wellston, who also participated in the speech contest.