LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
A Paris student is headed to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) district competition after placing second in sectional interviews.
Bella Sunkel, a senior at Paris Cooperative High School (PCHS) and a member of the Paris FFA chapter, placed second in sectional interviews for agriculture sales.
Sunkel credits her advisor, Katie Libbey, and agricultural business teacher Kiarra Roberts for encouraging her to participate.
She explained the process, saying she had to go into a mock office and approach the company’s secretary for a job application.
“You fill out the application, and then once you’re done, you submit the application and then you go do an on-the-phone interview,” Sunkel said.
After the phone interview, Sunkel was scheduled for an in-person interview with three judges.
“They ask you pretty much why you want to be the ag sales rep for this company, (and) what you know about the agriculture industry,” she said.
Sunkel was surprised when she learned she placed second, but excited to represent Paris FFA in districts.
“I’m more nervous with districts coming at the end of the month, but I think by the end, I’ll be more prepared,” she said.
Sunkel said she is currently working on her nerves and remembering to ask questions.
“I need to work on answering questions more easily, and also not being so shaky when I ask questions and making sure I ask the judges things about salary range and the job description,” she said.
Sunkel plans to pursue a career as an agriculture sales representative and get a degree in marketing.
She also spoke to the importance of agriculture and agriculture education.
“We are one of the top states that produces corn and soybeans and even pumpkins, with it being fall. And a lot of people are confused about how it works. But I feel like it’s important because if we didn’t have all the resources that we do now with agriculture, it would be nothing,” Sunkel said.
Sunkel is set to compete at district on Oct. 28.