4-H members developed necessary communication skills by showcasing presentations and talent at the Post Rock District 4-H Day events in Beloit on February 10, Smith Center on March 4, or by virtual competition.
186 youth representing local 4-H clubs in Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne and Smith counties practiced public speaking, presentation, demonstration, skit, music, model meeting, and dance skills. Youth also completed judging contests to test their knowledge about lifeskills such as money management, parliamentary procedure, and how to write a thank you; plant science crop and weed identification; and photography quality selection and technique knowledge.
“4-H is a great way for children and teens to learn to talk to people of all ages and showcase their talents.” explained Risa Overmiller, Post Rock 4-H program coordinator. Learning to be a good public speaker is something that will be useful for a lifetime.
Throughout the 4-H Day experience, youth present in front of a judge who provides feedback to help youth learn how to perform and present an idea with increased confidence, poise and intention. Kim Naber, 4-H program coordinator shared, “Young people who feel comfortable speaking in front of others have a great sense of self-confidence and are better able to practice respect for themselves and others.”
According to Tonia Underwood, 4-H program coordinator, “4-H allows youth to work on building independence, resilience and compassion all while having fun and encouraging their friends and club.” Kansas 4-H has more than 40 project areas, so individuals can find their spark and learn how to excel in that area. If interested in joining a 4-H club in your community, contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.
Ribbon rankings of purple, blue, and red were awarded to 4-H Day participants. Top purples were recognized with an Outstanding Presentation Sensation (OPS). The judging contests recognized the top three placers across the Post Rock District. Results for Hunter Huntsman 4-H members are: Molly Heller- senior lifeskills judging contest, second; senior plant science judging contest, second tie; public speaking, purple. Sam Heller- junior plant science judging contest, first tie; intermediate reading, OPS. Sydney Heller- senior plant science judging contest, second tie; public speaking, purple. Jayden Meitler- senior photography judging, first; intermediate vocal solo, blue. Model meeting, blue, participants- Tevis Dohl, Vance Dohl, Molly Heller, Sam Heller, Sydney Heller, Camden Hlad, Cason Hlad, Climena Jordan, Nathan Jordan, Ruth Jordan, Samuel Jordan, Lane Leonard, Jaxon Meitler, Jayden Meitler, Acee Schneider, Axel Schneider, Briggs Seehafer, Lennox Seehafer, Nash Seehafer, Aiden Sulsar, LeeAllie Wacker Results for Jr. Sunflower 4-H members are: Anna Koster- Senior lifeskills judging contest, third tie. Chloe Koster, intermediate demonstration, purple. Alison and Austin Rosebrook- group demonstration, purple. Alison Rosebrook- senior plant science judging contest, third; senior photography judging contest, third; Austin Rosebrook- junior plant science judging contest, third tie. Marissa Rosebrook- intermediate demonstration, OPS; junior lifeskills judging contest, third. Model meeting, blue, participants-Benjamin Bell, Jonathan Bell, Titus Bell, August Buttenhoff, Emma Buttenhoff, Hailey Buttenhoff, Tenley Buttenhoff, Wayne Elder, Luna Falcon, Trent Falcon, Anna Koster, Chloe Koster, Lucy Koster, Nick Koster, Rose Koster, Alison Rosebrook, Austin Rosebrook, Collin Rosebrook, Dylan Rosebrook, Madelyn Rosebrook, Marissa Rosebrook, Miranda Rosebrook, Elijah Suelter, Emma Suelter.
