On April 25, local 4-H members took part in the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest, developing their organization and speech skills in front of a live audience. University of Illinois Extension representative Wendy Ferguson shared that two local youth from McDonough and Knox counties earned top honors and recognition.
“We want to give a special shoutout to Samuel McGruder from McDonough County. He was named champion for the whole state in the Formal Beginning Division. That means he gave a formal speech, and he’s new to public speaking, so he’s considered a beginner,” says Ferguson. “4-H also always gives out an Inspire Award, recognizing something that really struck the judges or audience about the message or delivery. In the Original Works Division, Bauer Bowman from Knox County received an Inspire Award. We are very proud of these two individuals.”
The Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest includes four divisions: formal speech, illustrated speech, original works, and oral interpretation, with both beginner and advanced age groups.
