4-H youth gathered for an inspiring evening of public speaking and demonstrations on March 5, 2026, showcasing their leadership, creativity, and communication skills. The event, supported by Kaskaskia College’s Communications Department and held on the KC Main Campus, featured 11 young participants.
Participants showcased their skills through demonstrations, speeches, storytelling, and educational presentations, highlighting both personal interests and community topics.
Following the presentations, judges selected State Fair Delegates and Alternates for each participating county:
Bond County
- State Fair Delegates: Ransom Detmer, Allison Hemker, Elena Richards
- State Fair Alternates: Lyla Tally, Ashlyn Richards, Ben Young
Jefferson County
- State Fair Delegate: Clara Kozuszek
Marion County
- State Fair Delegate: Grace Bolin
Washington County
- State Fair Delegate: Holleigh Hiller
- State Fair Alternates: Titan Clark, Mackenzie Hornbostel
Overall Division Winners
- Junior Division (Ages 8–13): Ransom Detmer
- Senior Division (Ages 14–18): Holleigh Hiller
These presentations highlighted the confidence, curiosity, and leadership skills of local youth, underscoring the importance of public speaking opportunities within 4-H and related programs. The State 4-H Public Speaking Contest will be on April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign. You can read more about the upcoming contest online at https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/events/state-events/illinois-4-h-public-speaking-contest.
For more information about local youth leadership opportunities, upcoming events, or how to get involved, please contact your local Illinois Extension office.
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.