CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Young voices took center stage on Saturday, April 26, as 4-H members from across Illinois showcased their communication skills at the annual 4-H Public Speaking Contest, held in Champaign and hosted by University of Illinois Extension.
The statewide competition brought together talented 4-H youth who had advanced from their local county contests to compete in categories such as Formal, Illustrated, Original Works and Oral Interpretation.
In the Oral Interpretation Team category, Emily and Ben Kinner of Sangamon County earned 1st place, while Allison and Samantha O’Neill of Menard County claimed 2nd place. Both teams demonstrated strong teamwork, impressive confidence, and a clear passion for public speaking.
“We are incredibly proud of all participants who took part in the 4-H Public Speaking Contest,” said 4-H Program Coordinator Maddie Atterberry.
Participation in the state contest is open to any 4-H member who qualifies through their county-level event, highlighting the statewide commitment to nurturing young communicators. The public speaking contest is one of many 4-H programs that encourage confidence in future leaders. For more information about the local 4-H programming or how to get involved, visit extension.illinois.edu/lms/4-h-youth-development
ABOUT ILLINOIS 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.