The Central Region’s 4-H Public Speaking Contest for 9th – 12th grades was held on Saturday, February 4th. Senior High 4-H’ers gave a prepared speech that was 75% of their score and an extemporaneous speech that counted for 25%. In the extemporaneous competition, each contestant had one minute to prepare a two minute speech after they were given a topic. Smith County was well-represented by two senior level 4-H’ers. Spencer Meeks (Homeschool) competed in the 9th grade division and Grace Harville (SCHS) competed in the 10th grade division. Spencer placed 8th in 9th grade and Grace received 1st place in her division which provides her a scholarship to the State Contest at Tennessee 4-H Congress in March.
Ten Smith County 4-H’ers, along with parents and grandparents journeyed to DeKalb County on January 26th for the Sub-regional 4-H Public Speaking Contest. To qualify to compete, 4-H’ers must have received either first or second place honors during the Smith County 4-H Public Speaking Contest held in December of 2016.
The Sub-regional Contest was extremely tough as over 80 4-H’ers, from eleven counties were divided into 5 groups according to their grade level. Gabriel Harville (CES) and Mia Cook (DES) competed in the 4th grade contest. In the 5th grade division, Ava Grisham (SCMS) and Cameron Nixon (GES) represented Smith County well, with Ava placing 1st and Cameron taking 2nd. Augusta Long (SCMS) and Clayton Wilson (GES) competed in the 6th grade contest, with Augusta placing 3rd. Gary Claywell (Homeschool) and Brooke Grisham (SCMS) represented Smith County in the 7th grade contest with Gary taking 4th place. In the 8th grade contest, Smith County again had two excellent 4-H’ers with Olivia Jarvis (Homeschool) and Ellie Johnson (Homeschool) competing. Olivia took top honors in the 8th grade contest and Ellie placed 3rd. We are extremely proud of these outstanding youth that exhibited their life skills in Communication!
UT Extension Smith County is an extension of the University of Tennessee working in Smith County to provide Real Life Solutions in agriculture, family & consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. We work with youth, families, and land owners to provide education and solve everyday problems.
For further information relating to any of the many 4-H activities, events and projects, please contact Katie Clark in the Smith County office or the University of Tennessee Extension at 735-2900.
Gabriel Harville and Mia Cook
Cameron Nixon and Ava Grisham
Clayton Wilson and Augusta Long
Olivia Jarvis and Ellie Johnson
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