CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Youth from across the state demonstrated confidence, creativity, and communication skills during the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign.
The annual event brings together top youth speakers who advanced through county-level competitions to compete at the state level. Participants develop essential life skills by organizing ideas, delivering speeches, and presenting in front of live audiences while receiving feedback from judges and peers.
“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can develop,” said Cindy Ogwal, University of Illinois Extension 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.”
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. Participants competed in beginner (ages 8–13) and advanced (ages 14 and older) categories, with options for individual and team presentations. The Inspire Award is presented to youth whose speech is unique and high-quality to the judges through their message, delivery, or impact.
In the formal beginner division, Samuel McGruder, McDonough County, was named champion, followed by Aynsleigh Shelton, Madison County, as reserve champion. Aubrey Boas, Champaign County, received the Inspire Award. In the formal advanced division, Kyndall Bennett, Shelby County, earned champion honors, with Jillyn Stoks, St. Clair County, named reserve champion and Josie Featherlin, Fulton County, receiving the Inspire Award.
In the illustrated beginner division, Adelynn Landers, Kendall County, was named champion, followed by Colette Brinkmeier, Stephenson County, as reserve champion. Hannah Rasmusson, Grundy County, received the Inspire Award. In the illustrated advanced division, Nayomi Patil and McKenna Arnold, both of Lake County, were named champion and reserve champion, respectively, with Henry Barczewski, Calhoun County, earning the Inspire Award.
In the oral interpretation individual division, Margaret Feldman, Grundy County, earned champion honors, followed by Andy Goedde, Effingham County, as reserve champion. In the team division, Hannah Priaulx and Violet Priaulx, Rock Island County, were named champions, with Kenleigh Keyser and Silas Keyser, Wayne County, as reserve champions.
In the original works individual division, Raylon Schreiner, Logan County, was named champion, followed by Maddie Canada, McHenry County, as reserve champion. Bauer Bowman, Knox County, received the Inspire Award. In the team division, Charles (Nico) Roush and Shailey Roush, Richland County, earned champion honors, with James Esposito and Teddy Hoskins, DuPage County, named reserve champions. Hadley Williams and Holly Hays, White County, received the Inspire Award.
Public speaking is a cornerstone of the 4-H experience. Throughout the year, members practice presentations in club settings, building confidence and communication skills that prepare them for college, careers, and leadership roles.
“What stood out most was the authenticity and courage these youth brought to the stage,” Ogwal said. “They’re not just practicing speeches—they’re finding their voice, sharing their perspectives, and developing leadership skills that will serve them well into the future.”
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.
SOURCE: Cindy Ogwal, 4-H Youth Development Specialist, cowusu@illinois.edu
Photo Credits: Myracle Johnson
WRITER: Carissa Nelson, Media Communications Manager, 4-H State Office, carissa7@illinois.edu
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.