Amika Osumi of Arroyo Grande knew she had won first place when they called out the second-to-last name out of six.

Osumi, who is part the Arroyo Grande FFA (Future Farmers of America) program, won first place out of six finalists Thursday at the state FFA Creed Speaking Contest in Fresno.

She will represent California in the National FFA Creed Speaking Contest in Indianapolis. Osumi's adviser is Steve DeRose.

“I think of it as an honor,” Osumi said. “It's a great opportunity to go to nationals, as well as just to win. But I'll try my hardest.”

Participants in the contest reiterate the FFA Creed, five paragraphs that elaborate the morals and beliefs of FFA, and answer questions to show their understanding of the agriculture industry. There were two rounds, with three questions each.

Osumi is the first Arroyo Grande High School student to win the California State FFA Creed Speaking contest, as well as the first freshman in more than 30 years to win the state contest from the South Coast region.

Thousands of eligible freshmen were narrowed down to the 24 who were eligible to compete in the state finals. Osumi won the Santa Barbara Section and South Coast Region contests before competing at the state level.

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One of the toughest questions was to hypothetically explain to an environmentalist the importance of the future of agriculture.

The creed begins, “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds.”

Osumi is excited to represent her school and her region, she said. She is the third sister of four, two of whom have also competed in FFA competitions.

Bettina Adragna can be reached by phone at 739-2220, or by e-mail at badragna@santamariatimes .com.