Youths gather for Missouri 4-H Public Speaking Contest

COLUMBIA, Mo. – In October, 61 youths from across Missouri gathered on the University of Missouri campus for one of Missouri 4-H’s oldest competitions, the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest.

“These 4-H’ers worked hard all year to prepare for this this annual culminating experience, which allows them to showcase their skills to a panel of judges,” said Megan Kershner, MU Extension state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator.

Senior participants that won first place in one of the five categories had the opportunity to show off their skills to participants and their families at the end of the contest, Kershner said.

In 4-H, youths begin at an early age to learn to speak in front of others by giving age-appropriate demonstrations to their peers and then participating in conference judging for their projects. “Through this contest, 4-H’ers grow in their abilities,” she said. The contest consists of five speech categories, appealing to a variety of interests and skill levels.

Awards are presented to the top three competitors in each category and age division. Senior category winners give their speech during awards, where a Senior Overall winner is decided.

• Junior Business Pitch: Mark Kiando, St. Louis County, First Place.
• Intermediate Business Pitch: Rachel Stegner, Cass County, First Place.
• Senior Business Pitch: Katy Wright, Clay County, First Place.
• Junior Extemporaneous: Tell Legg, Lewis County, First Place; Lizzie Raddin, Jefferson County, Second Place.
• Intermediate Extemporaneous: Emily Smith, St. Charles County, First Place; Elizabeth Amiri, St. Charles County, Second Place; Owen Smith, Laclede County, Third Place.
• Senior Extemporaneous: Kileigh Ball, Barton County, First Place; Kaycie Hollrah, St. Charles County, Second Place; Ellie Samek, Polk County, Third Place.
• Junior Interpretation: Elijah Shepherd, Marion County, First Place
• Intermediate Interpretation: Molly Wright, Clay County, First Place; Mary Wright, Clay County, Second Place; Atticus Harr, Andrew County, Third Place.
• Senior Interpretation: Joy Krueth, Barton County, First Place; Ella Bruening, Lincoln County, Second Place.
• Junior Technology Assisted: Jamesson Holder, Daviess County, First Place; Jacob Shepard, Marion County, Second Place; Lila Brown, Polk County, Third Place.
• Intermediate Technology Assisted: KaBella Bruno, St. Charles County, First Place; Colstyn Bregman, Lafayette County, Second Place.
• Senior Technology Assisted: Josiah Wright, Clay County, First Place; Kathryn Farmer, Caldwell County, Second Place.
• Junior Prepared Speech: Julia Vomund, Montgomery County, First Place; Oliver Bickell, Osage County, Second Place; Finley Proctor, Cedar County, Third Place.
• Intermediate Prepared Speech: Sullivan Holder, Daviess County, First Place; Matthew O’Brien, Warren County, Second County; Kinsey Heisey, Caldwell County, Third Place.
• Senior Prepared Speech: Faith Calvin, Jasper County, First Place; Charlotte Mabrey, Clay County, Second Place; Ryan Bruening, Lincoln County, Third Place.
• Senior Overall: Faith Calvin, Jasper County, Prepared Speech.

Programs offered by Missouri 4-H would not be possible without support from our partners. Major support for Missouri 4-H Communication programs was provided by the Missouri 4-H Foundation.

About Missouri 4-H

Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world.