DeKalb County 4-H held the county-wide public speaking contest at the County Complex on December 12, 2017. Twenty-eight youth from various grades competed to earn a spot at the regional contest and for cash awards. The 4th-6th graders were all winners from their classroom contests held last fall.
Winning the 4th-grade competition was Addison Murphy followed by Cali Agee and Nick Sweeney. Other participants were Ava Pack, Turner Bryant, Laura Magness, Jack Gassaway, McKenna Miller, Nicholas Daw, Isabella Allen, Logan Duke, Wyatt Carter, Brownie Johnson, Michael Anthony Gutierrez, Jakayta Odom, and Olivia Gilley.
In 5th grade, first place was awarded to Dare Collins, seconnd place to Layla Newby, and third place to Luke Midgett. Other participants were Sarah White, Sylvia Evans, Ethan Kempton, Katlynn Ellis, Cole Mcmillen, and Tyler Belcher.
Tess Barton won 1st place in the 6th grade contest, Summer Morse taking 2nd place, and Jazmine Wagner winning 3rd. Emily Mildner placed 1st for 8th grade and Jacklyn Kleparek place 1st for the 7th grade.
Addison, Cali, Dare, Layla, Tess, Summer, Jacklyn, and Emily will all move on to the regional contest that will be held in January. Public speaking is one of the most important and valuable skills these young people will learn to help them with their future careers. There were around 200 4-H Members who gave a speech this year in the classroom! We are proud of their hard work and courage. For more information about the 4-H program, please contact the UT-TSU Extension Office at 615-597-4945.