FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

(Vero Beach, FL), August 27, 2009 - Congratulations Natalie Wolff! Natalie took third place in the Association of Florida Conservation District's (AFCD) State Level Public Speaking Contest. The State contest was held on August 7th during the Association's Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel. The topic for this year's contest was "What is one of the many land uses in Florida?"

Natalie is currently a senior at Sebastian River High School. In April, Natalie won first place in the local Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District's public speaking contest qualifying her to compete at the Area level in Okeechobee. In May, she won first place in the Area contest, which made it possible for her to participate in the State contest. Her speech focused on agriculture and covered several important topics including cover crops, conservation, and farming economics.

Natalie received a plaque and a cash award of $150 from the AFCD.

The Indian River Soil and Water Conservation District will be hosting their annual public speaking contest for 2010 on April 12, 2010. The topic for the current contest is: "How Can Conservation Habits = Healthy Habitats?" The contest is open to Middle School and High School aged students. More announcements will be made as the deadlines for submission nears.

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