Public speaking is one of life’s important skills but also one of the most feared activities for the majority of adults. Learning to be comfortable speaking in front of others helps build confidence to express yourself in various life situations from interviewing for jobs to applying for college to interacting with adults. With that in mind, 4-H seeks to prepare youth to speak well and confidently, a skill that serves members for a lifetime.
The Portage County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held on Saturday, July 13th with the winners going on to compete at the Ohio State Fair on Friday August 2nd. All ages of 4-Hers can enter with various divisions/categories of competition.
The youngest participants were in the Cloverbud division (ages 5 to 8 and in grades K-2) and included Violet Easton and Autumn Lenke both from Creatures-N-Features 4-H Club. Each recited the 4-H Pledge receiving a certificate and ribbon for their efforts.
Junior Individuals ages 8-10 included: Colton Easton – Creatures-N-Features 4-H Club, Jerry Hoffman – Portage County Ranger 4-H Club, and Rowyn McPeak – Edinburg Seambusters 4-H Club.
Intermediate Individuals ages 11-13 included: Ava Fox – Edinburg Seambusters 4-H Club, Alexis Huffman – Creatures-N-Features 4-H Club, and Cora Riemenschneider – Edinburg Seambusters 4-H Club.
Senior Individual age 14-18 was Breanna Sampson – Portage County Ranger 4-H Club.
They spoke on a variety of topics including Ballet Point Shoes, Black Cats- Facts or Myth, Leaf Identification, Sewing Box Tools, American Tanks, Buff Brahma Chickens, and 4 Cylinder Motors.
Competing in the Mock Interview Division was Eli Ball – Royal Equestrians 4-H Club. This division required each participant to bring a paper copy of a job description/posting of their choice which becomes the job they will be applying for during the interview. Members include a cover letter and resume in this category.
Other 4-Hers participated in the 4-H Marketing Contest that consists of card designs for 4-H Thank You Cards or a 4-H Winter Holiday Card.
Junior Individual (age 8-10) in the 4-H Thank You Card division include: Lily Brunswick, Mayhaley Cioffi, Addison Fox, Bailey Gampo, Katie Hovancsek, Paul Jordan, Ryan Jordan, Ivy Klazon, and Penelope Reinsel all from the Edinburg Seambusters 4-H Club.
Intermediate Individual (age 11 – 13) in the 4-H Winter Holiday Card include: Yvonne Cioffi, Nora Fanizzi, Ava Fox, Benjamin Hovancsek, Adeline Klingelhofer, Cora Riemenschneider, Julia Riemenschneider, and Josie Smith all from the Edinburg Seambusters 4-H Club.
