Winnebago County 4-H members present speeches at the Public Speaking Contest

Winnebago County 4-H held its first 2023 4-H show on March 28, at the University of Illinois Extension Office.

Three area youth presented formal speeches on a variety of topics. “The kids did a fantastic job presenting. It was obvious they had rehearsed and took pride in their work,” stated Becky Gocken, Extension Program Coordinator for Winnebago County 4-H Youth & Development.

Rachel Medearis, language arts teacher for 20 years, 4-H alumni and previous 4-H leader provided feedback and judging.

Clover Crusaders 4-H Club leader Sue Gallant attended to support the presenters.

 “The fabulous speeches presented were evidence of the topics and concerns close to the heart of each speaker,” she said.

“The thoughtfulness, the intensity, and the call to action from each speaker presented listeners with a peek into the lives and the concerns of today’s young adults. Each speaker invited us to join them in their quest for a communicative, safe, and secure world.

“They truly demonstrated the 4-H pledge that calls members to pledge themselves to better living for their club, community, country and their world! A very inspiring evening, kudos to the participants!”

Nicolette Caccia of the Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H club received a champion award for her beginner level speech about life as a homeschooler. Claire Hopkins also of the Owen Blue Bonnets 4-H club received champion at the advanced level for her speech on the importance of communication.

Kathleen Harrington of the Clover Crusaders 4-H club was the advanced reserve champion for her speech on impacts of social media use on youth.

Kathleen will represent Winnebago County 4-H at the Illinois State 4-H Public Speaking contest on April 29, 2023 at Parkland Community College in Champaign.

Winnebago-Boone County Farm Bureau board member Amanda Anderson presented two incentive gifts to Claire Hopkins and Nicolette Caccia for participating in both the 4-H & Farm Bureau Public Speaking Training held on Feb. 7, and the Public Speaking Contest.

Winnebago County Extension would like to extend our appreciation to our judge, 4-H families, volunteers and the Winnebago-Boone County Farm Bureau for their continued support of our youth.

For more information about 4-H in Winnebago County or volunteering, contact Becky Gocken, Winnebago County 4-H and Youth Development Program Coordinator, at the University of Illinois Extension office by phone: 815-986-4357, email: [email protected] or by visiting go.illinois.edu/jsw.