Louisville, KY – November 9, 2024 – Mackenzie Sherman, a dedicated 4-H member from Bureau County, earned 7th place in the Public Speaking Contest at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup, held November 8-9, 2024, at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. This event brought together 4-H youth from across the country to compete in various educational contests, fostering teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership skills.
The Eastern National 4-H Roundup provides a platform for young people to showcase their skills in alignment with the core 4-H mission: Science, Engineering, Technology, Mathematics (STEM), Healthy Living, and Citizenship. Youth participants compete in individual contests that encourage personal development and community engagement. Mackenzie was one of many talented 4-H members representing their states in this national competition.
"We are incredibly proud of Mackenzie and her outstanding performance at the Eastern National 4-H Roundup,” said Sarah Poignant, Bureau County 4-H Coordinator. "Her dedication, hard work, and public speaking abilities are a testament to the values that 4-H instills in its members. This achievement is an excellent example of the success that comes from commitment and practice."
This event provides youth with the opportunity to grow, learn, and engage with others from across the nation. Mackenzie’s success in the Public Speaking Contest serves as an inspiration to other young people in Bureau County and beyond.
To learn more about Bureau County 4-H, contact University of Illinois Extension office by calling (815) 875-2878 or email Sarah Poignant at poignant@illinois.edu. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus.
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.