COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri 4-H’ers from across the state recently participated in one of Missouri 4-H’s oldest competitions: the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Held Sept. 28 in Columbia on the University of Missouri campus, the event drew 59 youths from 25 counties.

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 six categories had the opportunity to show off their skills to participants and their families at the end of the contest.

4-H’ers begin at a young 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, Kershner said. Through this contest, 4-H’ers grow in their abilities. The contest consists of five speech categories, appealing to a variety of interest 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.

• Intermediate Business Pitch: Blake Steen, Osage County, First Place.

• Junior Extemporaneous: Matthew O’Brian, Warren County, First Place; Tell Legg, Lewis County, Second Place; Lillian Gamble, Lincoln County, Third Place.

• Intermediate Extemporaneous: Brooklyn Bergsieker, Lafayette County, First Place; Emily Smith, St. Charles County, Second Place; Alexis Walton, Callaway County, Third Place.

• Senior Extemporaneous: Alyssa Thornhill, Adair County, First Place; Ali Huffstetter, St. Charles County, Second Place; Zachary Kay, McDonald County, Third Place.

• Junior Interpretation: Jacob Shepherd, Marion County, First Place.

• Intermediate Interpretation: Abbie Gieselman, Lafayette County, First Place; Molly Wright, Clay County, Second Place.

• Senior Interpretation: Katelyn Wright, Clay County, First Place; Joy Krueth, Barton County, Second Place.

• Junior Technology Assisted: Adeline Bondy, Monroe County, First Place; Lucas He, St. Louis County, Second Place; Samuel Chapins, Cooper County, Third Place.

• Intermediate Technology Assisted: Makenna Stephens, Lafayette County, First Place; Rance Grieman, Marion County, Second Place; Kinsey Heisey, Caldwell County, Third Place.

• Senior Technology Assisted: Alex Dyer, Lafayette County, First Place; Aiden Edmonds, Clay County, Second Place; Alyssa Harris, Livingston County, Third Place.

• Junior Prepared Speech: Oliver Bickell, Osage, First Place; Luke Shepard, Marion County, Second Place; Conrad Schulte, Osage County, Third Place.

• Intermediate Prepared Speech: Mary Wright, Clay County, First Place; Sullivan Holder, Daviess County, Second County; Faith Norris, Clay County, Third Place.

• Senior Prepared Speech: Marah Grieman, Marion County, First Place; Ellie Samek, Polk County, Second Place; Jacey Heisey, Caldwell County, Third Place.

• Senior Overall: Katelyn Wright, Clay County, Interpretation

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. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.

Photo

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20241007-4h-public-speaking.jpg

Participants in the 2024 Missouri State 4-H Public Speaking Contest, Sept. 28 in Columbia.