Putnam County 4-H Members Participate In Public Speaking Contest

COOKEVILLE, T.N. — Public speaking is the number one fear in America, but Putnam County 4-H members faced that fear head on as they participated in the county public speaking contest. Winners were selected from local contests in their classrooms and were invited to participate in the contest at the county level. The contest was held at the TTU Hyder-Burks Agriculture Pavilion and at the Extension Office. Around 50 members, along with their cheering section of parents, grandparents and other family supporters were in attendance.

Participants are judged on presenting a speech using good grammar, pleasing volume and pace, eye contact and subject matter. Local volunteers and former 4-H’ers served as judges for the event. Awards were given to all participants and then the top ten were announced. First and second place in 4th – 8th grade will go on to compete in the sub-region contest. Grade level winners included 4th grade 1st place Emma Johnson, Capshaw Elementary and 2nd place Mallory Johnson, Algood Elementary; 5th grade 1st place Kalysta Graham, Prescott South Middle School and 2nd place Drew Kirby, Prescott South Middle School; 6th grade 1st place Bailey Steger, home school and 2nd place Drew Sorkin, Prescott South Middle School; 8th grade 1st place Luke Welte, home school and 2nd place Riley Glascock, Algood Middle School. First place winners in the senior high division will go on to compete at the region contest in February. 9th grade 1st place Dawsen Arms, home school and 10th grade 1st place Hannah Steger, home school.

We are very proud of all the 4-H’ers in the county who gave an effort to participate in the public speaking contest this year. Public speaking is one of the most important skills our 4-H members can develop and something they will use all of their lives. Congratulations to everyone who participated this year. The Putnam County U.T. Extension Office offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability. For more information on this and other youth development programs, persons are encouraged to call the Extension office at 526-4561.