By Abigail Thomas
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.
On February 6, 4-H members in 4th - 8th grades gathered at Horace Maynard Middle School for the annual UC Public Speaking contest. UT Extension UC would like to congratulate the winners and participants and encourage all 4th - 12th graders to become involved with our Union County 4-H programs.
First place Union County Public Speaking contest winners were:
4th grade: Lily Rouse, Sharps Chapel Elementary
5th grade: James Whitley, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club
6th grade: Carson Hayes, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club
8th grade: Silas Whitley, Smoky Mountain 4-H Club
Winners of the county public speaking contest in 4th - 8th grade advanced to the Big Nine Subregional Public Speaking Contest held in Maryville on February 16th. All the 4-H members who won on the county level participated in the event. James Whitley won first place in the 5th grade division.
On the regional level, 2024 Eastern Region 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held February 3 at Pellissippi Community College in Hardin Valley. 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:
10th Grade – Gracie Tindell, 3rd place
12th Grade – Jonathan Tindell, 2nd place