Jasper County youth takes third in state 4-H Public Speaking Contest

(From University of Missouri Extension)

Columbia, Mo – 9-29-2022 On September 24, 4-H’ers from across Missouri participated in one of Missouri 4-H’s oldest and most popular competitions, the 4-H State Public Speaking Contest. Held on MU’s campus, 52 youth from 24 counties participated.

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. 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.

In 4-H, youth 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. “These youth are extremely talented,” said Erin Stanley, State 4-H Civic Engagement Educator, “Public Speaking is a skill that many find nerve wracking, however these youth knocked it out of the park!”

Awards are presented to the top three 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