“She’s top of the top. There’s nobody higher than her.”
These were the words Dublin FFA sponsor Derek Dunlap used to describe Vanessa Pantoja after the DHS junior took first place in Sr. Creed Speaking at the state Leadership and Development Event competition this past weekend.
As the winner of district and Area competition, Pantoja had advanced to the state round for the second consecutive year and traveled to Huntsville on Friday, Dec. 1 for the preliminary round at Sam Houston State University.
Dunlap reported she was essentially in the top 24 heading into Friday made it into the top 10 to compete Saturday.
“She was the first one in the door Saturday,” Dunlap reported. “We were laughing saying ‘you are setting the bar today.’” “She went in there and killed it,” Dunlap continued saying she was still thinking of ways to improve her speech minutes before the event. She was assured there was nothing to improve.
This level of professionalism and drive has led to this achievement.
“Vanessa embodies a humble work ethic that makes hard accomplishments look easy,” said Dunlap. “She has a certain quality about her that cannot be coached - only developed through these types of leadership contests. She has a long, successful life ahead of her, and we are proud to have her as a member of our chapter!”
Vanessa has reached the pinacle since there is no national division in this competition.