CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Youth from across the state demonstrated confidence, creativity, and communication skills during the University of Illinois Extension 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign, including two youth from Grundy County who received awards.
The annual event brings together top youth speakers who advanced through county-level competitions the state level. Participants develop essential life skills by organizing ideas, delivering speeches, and presenting to live audiences while receiving feedback from judges and peers.
"4-H is preparing youth to be Beyond Ready for life ahead, and a huge part of that is public speaking," said Kylee Zoran, 4-H youth development program coordinator serving Grundy County. "We’re especially proud to see two Grundy County youth recognized among this year’s winners."
The contest featured four divisions: formal speech, illustrated speech, original works, and oral interpretation. Each division allows youth to tailor presentations to their interests, whether through persuasive speeches, visual demonstrations, creative storytelling, or interpretation of published works.
Two local youth, both of Morris, received top awards:
Margaret Feldman, Champion
In the Oral Interpretation category, Margaret Feldman of Morris received Champion for her speech titled "The Charge Up Yardsale Hill."
In the Oral Interpretation category, youth perform a published work, using vocal expression and delivery to bring the text to life. Presentations may be delivered individually or as a two-person team, with notes, props, and costumes permitted to enhance the performance.
Hannah Rasmusson, Inspire Award
In the Illustrated Speech category, Hannah Rasmusson of Morris received the Inspire Award for her speech titled “The Terrific Telegraph.” The Inspire Award recognizes youth whose speech stands out for its originality and overall quality in message, delivery, or impact.
Illustrated speeches are designed to inform, persuade, or motivate an audience through visual aids, including two- and three-dimensional materials.
Public speaking prepares youth to be Beyond Ready
Public speaking is a cornerstone of the 4-H experience, preparing youth to be Beyond Ready for life ahead. Throughout the year, members practice presentations in club settings, building confidence and communication skills that prepare them for college, careers, and leadership roles.
“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can develop,” said Cindy Ogwal, 4-H youth development specialist. “Through experiences like this, youth build confidence, learn to organize their thoughts, and gain the ability to clearly communicate ideas that matter.”
County staff coordinate advancement to the state contest, with each county eligible to send up to three entries. The Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest is supported by Compeer Financial and the Illinois 4-H Foundation.
For more information about 4-H, visit go.illinois.edu/about4hgkw.
SOURCE: Cindy Ogwal, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Illinois Extension; Kylee Zoran, 4-H Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension.
WRITER: Anthony Warmack, Communications and Marketing Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension; Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, Illinois Extension.
INTERVIEWS: Contact Anthony Warmack, warmacka@illinois.edu, to request specialist interviews on this topic.
MEDIA ACCESS: Images in this story can be downloaded for media use.
IMAGE CREDIT: Myracle Johnson.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension, administered through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Through hands-on learning and life-changing experiences, Illinois 4-H prepares youth to be Beyond Ready — ready for college, career, military service, entrepreneurship, and more. Young people build confidence, leadership, and resilience as they explore interests from agriculture to computer science. Independent research and national surveys confirm the powerful outcomes of 4-H: participants are 40% more likely to pursue a college degree, twice as likely to obtain technical training, and two times more likely to serve in the military. With a legacy of cultivating leaders, Illinois 4-H continues to grow the next generation who are equipped to thrive in life and work today and beyond.
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 500 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 five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.