4-H members participated in the Knox County 4-H Communication Event held on Monday, April 21st in Center, Nebraska. Participants were able to present a speech, record a PSA and deliver a presentation.
Whether speaking in person or virtually, communicating our thoughts to others is a valuable skill. Public speaking contests help youth develop skills for communicating with audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others, and develop self-confidence.
Clover Kids, youth ages 5-7, participated in a non-competitive fashion by reciting a poem or reading or telling a short story. Participants in the Clover Kid Division included: Danica Cunningham of Creighton and Cassie Clausen of Wausa. Each Clover Kid received words of encouragement from the judge and a Clover Kid rainbow ribbon for their participation.
Henley Mitteis of Verdigre received the Champion Trophy in the Prepared Speech Junior Division. Receiving purple ribbons were Dayton Cunningham of Creighton and Drake Mitteis of Verdigre. Receiving a blue ribbon was Dominic Cunningham of Creighton.
The Impromptu Speech competition gives youth the opportunity to write and present a speech around a 4-H-related topic that they select during the competition. They are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. The judge evaluates the subject, organization, and delivery of the speech. Jocelyn Hanefeldt of Center received the Champion Rosette in the Junior Division. Receiving blue ribbons in the Junior Division were Dayton Cunningham and Dominic Cunningham.
4-H members also participated in a Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) category in which they recorded a 60 second radio spot promoting 4-H and using the theme “Ready through 4-H..and beyond”.
Participating in the Junior PSA Division, Jocelyn Hanefeldt received a purple ribbon and was awarded the Champion trophy; Intermediate PSA Division, Tucker Hanefeldt of Center received a blue ribbon. In the Senior PSA Division, Marshall Bratetic of Bloomfield received a purple ribbon and was awarded the Champion trophy. Peyton Bratetic of Bloomfield received a purple ribbon.
To finish the evening, five presentations were featured by 4-H members. An Illustrated Presentation is a live presentation with a formal talk where youth will use visual aids (such as props, posters, computer-based visuals, handouts, video, etc.) to show and tell others how to do something.
In the Clover Kid Division, Tate Hanefeldt of Center received a clover kid ribbon.
In the Junior Division, Dayton Cunningham was awarded the Champion trophy. Dominic Cunningham and Jocelyn Hanefeldt were awarded a purple ribbon.
In the Intermediate Division, Anthony Latorra of Creighton received a blue ribbon.
Peyton Bratetic, Marshall Bratetic, Dayton Cunningham, Dominic Cunningham, Drake Mitteis, Henley Mitteis, and Jocelyn Hanefeldt all qualify to compete in the State 4-H Premier Communications Event to be held June 19-20 in Lincoln in their respective events.