The Union County 4-H Public Speaking Contest allows youths to highlight their exceptional presentation abilities in a supportive environment. Youth learn from professionals as well as their fellow 4-H members.

Union County 4-H held virtual speech contests throughout the beginning of 2021. Local contests were held in person and virtually across the county. Students participating in the local contests were invited to the countywide contest that was held virtually in recorded videos. The 4-H Public Speaking Countywide Contest was held in March 2021. UT Extension Union County would like to congratulate the winners and participants and encourage all 4th - 12th graders to become involved with our Union County 4-H programs.

1st place Union County Wide Public Speaking Contest Winners were:
4th Grade – Hayden Hensley Luttrell Elementary School, 1st place
5th Grade – Silas Whitley Smoky Mountain 4-H Club, 1st place
6th Grade – Morgan Burbage Horace Maynard Middle School, 1st place
7th Grade – Gracie Tindell, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club, 1st place
8th Grade – Meradeth Whitley, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club, 1st place
9th Grade – Jonathan Tindell, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club, 1st place
10th Grade – Jessie Garcia, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club, 1st place
11th Grade – Kaleb Hanna, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club, 1st place

Winners of the county public speaking contest in 4th - 8th grade advanced to the Big Nine Subregional Public Speaking Contest. This contest was held virtually.
Results for the Union County participants at the Big Nine Subregional Public Speaking Contest were:

4th Grade – Hayden Henlsey – 5th place
5th Grade – Silas Whitley – 1st Place
6th Grade- Morgan Burbage – 7th Place
7th Grade – Gracie Tindell – 1st Place
8th Grade Meradeth Whitley – 1st Place

On the regional level, 2021 Eastern Region 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held May 1, 2021 at the University of Tennessee Herbert College Of Agriculture. Two 4-H Members from Union County participated in the Senior High Contest. The results from the Eastern Region Senior High Public Speaking Contest were:

9th Grade – Jonathan Tindell 1st Place Overall
11th Grade – Kaleb Hanna