4-Hers ‘speak up’ at Public Speaking Contest

Sixty-nine 4-H members in grades four through 12 recently participated in the county finals of the 4-H Public Speaking Contest held Warren County Middle School.

The 4-H members earned the right to compete in this contest by winning their class competition during the November 4-H club meeting. A total of 738 4-Hers across the county gave a three minute speech vying for the opportunity to advance to the county finals.

The 4-H Public Speaking Contest helps individuals develop their communication skills while improving self-esteem. Learning good sportsmanship and presentation techniques are also elements of this activity. The 4-H program is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

The contest is sponsored each year by Region’s Bank with winners receiving trophies and ribbons. The first-place winner in each grade level received a free trip to 4-H camp and the opportunity to advance on to the sub-regional Public Speaking Contest.

Winners in their respective grades follow:

Fourth grade – first place, Joesiah Soloman, home school 4-H; second, Hunter Hobbs, Boyd Christian; third place, Johnny Smith, Hickory Creek;

Fifth grade – first place, K.C. Byars, West; second place, Ben Wilson, Centertown, third place, Caroline McKinley, Hickory Creek;

Sixth grade – first place, Hamilton Spivey, home school 4-H; second place, Justin Woodlee, Irving College; third place, John-Adam Turner, Dibrell;

Seventh grade – first place, Allen Betschart, WCMS; second place, McCain Smock, WCMS; third place, Sarah Collins, Eastside;

Eighth grade – first place, Lauren Lytle, WCMS; second place, Casey Morris, WCMS; third place, Lindsey Clayton, WCMS;

Ninth grade – first place, Joshua Moore, WCHS;

Tenth grade – first place, Erika Betschart, WCHS; second place, Lee Allen Turner, WCHS;

Eleventh grade – first place, Bethany Bouldin, WCHS; second place, Drew Milligan, WCHS; third place – Brittany Basham, WCHS.