The Central Region’s 4-H Public Speaking Contest for 9th – 12th grades was held at Cumberland University in Lebanon on February 6th. 4-H in Tennessee is divided into three regions for competitions; with the Central Region consisting of 31 counties. Senior High 4-H’ers gave a prepared speech that was 75% of their score and an extemporaneous speech that counted 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. Jason Robert Smith competed in the 12th grade division and Grace Harville competed in the 9th grade division. Both Jason Robert and Grace received 1st place in their divisions and a scholarship to the State Contest at Tennessee 4-H Congress in March.
Nine Smith County 4-H’ers, along with parents and grandparents journeyed to Cookeville on February 2nd for the Sub-regional 4-H Public Speaking Contest held at Tennessee Tech. 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 2015.
The Sub-regional Contest was extremely tough as approximately sixty 4-H’ers, from eleven counties were divided into 5 groups according to their grade level. Jorja Summers (CES) and Cameron Nixon (GES) competed in the 4th grade contest with Cameron winning 2nd place and Jorja taking 2nd place. In the 5th grade division, Clayton Wilson (FRS) and Aiden Gonzalez (SCMS) represented Smith County, with Aiden placing 5th. Joshua Galindez (UHS) and Gary Claywell (Homeschool) competed in the 6th grade contest, with Gary placing 4th. Olivia Jarvis (Homeschool) was our sole representative in the 7th grade contest, taking 1st place. In the 8th grade contest, Smith County again had two excellent 4-H’ers with Spencer Meeks (Homeschool) and Shelby Manus (DES) competing. Spencer took top honors in the 8th grade contest. We are extremely proud of these outstanding youth that exhibited their lifeskills 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 Trent Jones in the Smith County office or the University of Tennessee Extension at 735-2900.
