Rambo wins state Farm-City essay contest
PHIL CAMPBELL — Phil Campbell High School senior Emma Rambo has been named the state winner of the Alabama Farm-City Essay Contest, earning first place after advancing from the county level.
Her essay, written on this year’s theme “Grow Alabama,” focused on the role farmers and communities play in sustaining agriculture and supporting one another.
“It was mostly about how farmers grow Alabama,” Rambo said. “I talked about the way I raise dogs for duck hunting, the way I plant a garden, and the role the community plays in supporting agriculture.”
Rambo also reflected on the personal connections formed through agriculture, including time spent working alongside family.
“I talked about working with my dad in the garden and making that connection as a family,” she said. “When you work in the garden, you bond over everything and learn things that I’ll cherish forever.”
She said her goal was to encourage others to better understand and appreciate the role of farmers.
“I want people to appreciate farmers more and everything they do for the community,” Rambo said. “They help hold the community together.”
Rambo said agriculture plays a central role in everyday life.
“Without agriculture, the world wouldn’t work,” she said. “It provides our food, clothing and really everything we use in our daily lives.”
The win comes a year after Rambo placed second at the state level, marking back-to-back appearances in the finals.
“It felt great,” she said. “It showed that I worked really hard and improved my dedication.”
Agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Caleb Beason said the achievement reflects both her commitment and growth.
“For her to make that achievement to the state two years in a row, and then to win first place this year, is quite a milestone,” Beason said.
Rambo is active in the Phil Campbell FFA chapter, where she serves as an officer and is a member of the horse judging team.
Beason described her as a dedicated student with strong goals for the future.
“She is a hard-working and very goal-oriented young lady that I know will go and reach great heights in life,” he said.
The Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon was held April 9 in Auburn, where Rambo was recognized among winners from across the state.
Another Franklin County student was also recognized at the state level. Eli Humphres, a sixth grader at Red Bay Elementary School, placed fourth in the Farm-City poster contest.
Rambo plans to attend Wallace State Community College after graduation, where she intends to study to become an occupational therapy assistant.
