Youths from across Missouri participated in the Missouri 4-H State Public Speaking Contest on September 24. The event was held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, the competition drew 52 youths from 24 counties.
“The 4-H’ers worked hard all year to prepare for this annual culminating experience that allows them to showcase their skills to a panel of judges,” said Erin Stanley, MU Extension state 4-H civic engagement educator.
“Public speaking is a skill that many find nerve-wracking,” Stanley said. “However, these youth knocked it out of the park!”
Awards went to the top competitors in each category and age division:
· Junior Business Pitch: Brooklyn Bergsieker, Lafayette County, first place.
· Intermediate Extemporaneous: Asher Ahrens, Cape Girardeau County, first place; Katlyn Miller, Warren County, second place; Lea Simmons, Putnam County, third place.
· Senior Extemporaneous: Andrew Shelton, Barton County, first place; Sara Tuschhoff, Gasconade County, second place.
· Junior Humorous Interpretation: Bailey Middleton, Monroe County, first place.
· Intermediate Humorous Interpretation: Joy Krueth, Barton County, first place; Marah Greiman, Marion County, second place.
· Intermediate Dramatic Interpretation: Kaycie Hollrah, St. Charles County, first place; Mackenzie Hill, Clay County, second place.
· Senior Dramatic Interpretation: Ayla Foreman, Christian County, first place.
· Junior Technology Assisted: Molly Wright, Clay County, first place; Mary Wright, Clay County, second place; Kinsey Heisey, Caldwell County, third place.
· Intermediate Technology Assisted: Grant Owen, Carroll County, first place; Charles Goodnight, Greene County, second place; Jacey Heisey, Caldwell County, third place.
· Senior Technology Assisted: Ashton Roe, Clinton County, first place; Taya Lenz, Clinton County, second place.
· Junior Prepared Speech: Makenna Stephens, Lafayette County, first place; Sullivan Holder, Clinton County, second place; Malachi Siebert, Jasper County, third place.
· Intermediate Prepared Speech: Mallory Hall, Johnson County, first place; Brody Phillips, Lafayette County, second place; Makayla Roe, Clinton County, third place.
· Senior Prepared Speech: Katelyn Wright, Clay County, first place; Isabella Hamner, Camden County, second place; Reagan O’Farrell, Bates County, third place.