Galesburg, IL — The University of Illinois Extension is proud to announce that several outstanding 4‑H members from Knox and McDonough counties have advanced to the Illinois 4‑H State Public Speaking Contest, taking place April 25, 2026, at Parkland College in Champaign, IL.
Local 4‑H youth competed in the county‑level Public Speaking Contest on March 14, 2026, showcasing their communication skills, confidence, and creativity. Participants delivered prepared speeches, oral interpretations, and original works before the judge, ROWVA FFA Advisor, Elise Main.
A special congratulations goes to Ryker Bowman, who earned the event’s highest honor — the Champion Public Speaker Award.
The University of Illinois Extension is also pleased to recognize the youth selected to represent their counties at the state level:
Knox County Delegates
- Ryker Bowman – State Delegate
- Bauer Bowman – State Delegate
McDonough County Delegates
- Samuel McGruder – State Delegate
- Daisy Barr – State Delegate
“We are incredibly proud of these young people,” Beth Chatterton, McDonough County 4-H Coordinator, shared. “Public speaking is a powerful life skill, and these 4‑H members have demonstrated dedication, courage, and leadership. We look forward to cheering them on at the state contest.”
The University of Illinois Extension congratulates all participants on their hard work and wishes the state delegates the very best as they prepare for the next level of competition.
For more information about 4‑H programs in Knox and McDonough counties, please contact your local 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.