Livingston advocates need for grain bin safety equipment at state speech contest

Sometimes, it's not about the medal but more about mettle and message.

Battling a stomach bug, Carlee Livingston pushed through three rough rounds of competition in the persuasive speech division at the Class C2 State Speech Tournament in Kearney last Thursday. Though she placed 16th, her impact transcended any medal.

After hearing her speech about the dangers of entering grain bins and the importance of safety equipment for agricultural workers and rural fire and rescue departments, strangers who viewed her speech approached her on two separate occasions in the hallway, thanking her for sharing crucial information.

"Carlee's goal was to educate and inspire change, and through the power of speech, she reached her goal," said coach Julie Harley.

Livingston received three superior ratings and ranked sixth in each preliminary round.