Special News Release
Holt and Boyd Counties Hold First Joint 4-H Communications Event
The Holt County and Boyd County 4-H Communications Events were held jointly for the first time in 2026, creating a new opportunity for youth from both counties to participate in an expanded event setting. Due to lower participation numbers in each county, both county 4-H councils and extension offices agreed to pilot a combined event for one year to evaluate the overall experience and benefits for participants.
The joint contest was designed to strengthen the event experience by providing youth the chance to interact with more contestants and observe a broader range of communication contest categories. Bringing the two counties together also gave participants exposure to additional contest areas, helping spark new interests and encouraging future involvement in a wider variety of communications events.
The Holt-Boyd Communications Event was held Sunday, April 12, at 5:00 p.m. at the Holt County Courthouse in O’Neill, Nebraska. The event featured six contestants with ten total entries and participation in every category except Public Service Announcements (PSAs). The variety of entries created an engaging and supportive atmosphere for both contestants and audience members.
Contestants competed within their home counties, meaning Holt County participants were judged against Holt County youth, while Boyd County participants competed against Boyd County youth. Each county also continued to recognize and present its own awards.
The Communications Event includes Prepared Speech, Illustrated Presentation, Public Service Announcement, Video Communication, and Impromptu Speech contests. Clover Kids, youth ages 5–7 as of January 1, are also invited to participate in a non-competitive format and receive participation ribbons. These early experiences help young members build confidence and develop valuable public speaking skills.
Results
Prepared Speech
The Prepared Speech contest gives youth the opportunity to write and deliver a speech on a topic related to their 4-H experience.
- Clover Kid: Hadley Vogt (Boyd County), “The Sound Collector” by Roger McGough -Participation Ribbon
- Junior Division: Madelyn Timmerman (Holt County), “Tie-Dying” - Champion, Purple (selected to advance to state)
- Intermediate Division: Andrew Paxton (Holt County), “A Look Inside My Plant Propagation Business” - Champion, Purple (selected to advance to state)
- Senior Division: Trevor Timmerman (Holt County), “Growing Up Extension” - Champion, Purple (selected to advance to state)
Illustrated Presentation
An Illustrated Presentation is a live formal talk in which youth use visual aids such as props, posters, computer visuals, handouts, or video to teach others how to do something.
- Clover Kid: Hadley Vogt (Boyd County), “How to Do a Ponytail” - Participation Ribbon
- Intermediate Division: Rachel Krysl (Holt County), “Dog Obedience” - Champion, Purple (selected to advance to state)
Video Communication
The Video Communication contest allows youth to create a multimedia video around the 2026 theme, “Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow.”
- Junior Division: Grayson Vogt (Boyd County), “My 4-H Video” - Champion, Purple
Impromptu Speech
The Impromptu Speech contest gives youth the opportunity to prepare and present a speech on a 4-H-related topic selected during the event, with 15 minutes to develop their presentation.
- Junior Division: Madelyn Timmerman (Holt County), “Favorite 4-H Project” - Champion, Purple
- Intermediate Division: Rachel Krysl (Holt County), “My Fair Week” - Champion, Purple
- Senior Division: Trevor Timmerman (Holt County), “Biggest 4-H Disaster” - Champion, Purple
Clover Kid participants are not eligible to advance to the Nebraska 4-H Premier Communication Event. Eligibility is limited to enrolled 4-H youth ages 8–18 as of January 1. To qualify for the state event, youth must have received a purple ribbon at their local county contest and be selected to participate in the Premier Communication Event in the following contests: Prepared Speech, Public Service Announcement (PSA), or Illustrated Presentation. The Impromptu Speech and Video Communication contests are open to all enrolled 4-H members. Best wishes to all contestants who will represent their counties at the Premier Communication Event June 16–17 in Lincoln.
Congratulations to all participants on a job well done. The success of this year’s joint event provided youth with a positive and expanded communications experience while encouraging continued growth in communication skills and future participation opportunities.
Back row (l-r): Trevor Timmerman, Rachel Krysl, Andrew Paxton
Front row (l-r): Hadley Vogt, Grayson Vogt, Madelyn Timmerman