Winnebago County 4-H kicks off 2020 virtual shows with Public Presentations Contest

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Gazette
Jackson Klinger of the Centerville Knot Ketchers 4-H Club shows his dedication of everything Peanuts. Jackson earned State Fair Delegate for his speech.

Winnebago County 4-H exhibitors participated in their first 2020 Virtual Show on June 17, 2020.  The Public Presentations contest had three 4-H exhibitors for 2020.  Youth were required to submit entries via video link to Fair Entry for judging.

The judge was able to then access the 4-8 minute speeches from Fair Entry, assign ribbons, awards and state fair delegates and offer comments. Ridwan Mardini from Guilford Gainers 4-H Club was the class winner for his formal speech on the importance of social skills.  Additionally, Ridwan received the Champion ribbon and award.  Imran Mardini of the Guilford Gainers 4-H Club was the illustrated speech class winner for his speech entitled, Drones and How They Work.

Imran also earned the Reserve Champion ribbon for his presentation. University of Illinois Extension County Director Margaret Larson shares, “We are pleased to see our 4-H members taking advantage of the “Virtual 4-H Show” option that we have made available to them.

“The opportunity exists for their projects to be completed, shared and judged by our local experts. We are proud of our Public Presentation participants, who always represent the 4-H community so brilliantly.”

Centerville Knot Ketchers 4-H Club member Jackson Klinger gave his illustrated speech on the ever-popular Peanuts characters and the evolution of how they came to be. All three exhibitors earned state 4-H fair delegate. Illinois 4-H State Shows will continue in the same virtual format that local county 4-H exhibitions have taken this year.

“Though the format is virtual, 4-H members will still receive expert-level evaluation of their project work,” says Lisa Diaz, University of Illinois Extension assistant dean and state 4-H director. 

“All youth will be eligible for awards and prizes, as in the past, and we are thankful for the continued support and partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture on this important event.”

For more information on IL 4-H, contact your local Extension Office or visit us online at go.illinois.edu/jsw.