From outdoor hobbies to staying healthy to the arts, dozens of 4-H-ers came to the annual Calvert County 4-H Communications Contest to show off their public speaking skills. The contest was held on March 27 at the Northeast Community Center in Chesapeake Beach. 4-Hers talked about many things, giving Prepared Speeches, Interpretations, Radio Spots, Extemporaneous Speeches, and Visual Presentations for judges and audiences. A new communications category was 4-H Promotions which included Posters and Graphic arts advertising 4-H.
Most participants chose to talk about 4-H. They shared their knowledge of raising livestock, caring for geckos, and explaining the equine digestive system. Other participants, especially teens, chose to share what 4-H means to them. They talked about how 4-H keeps them healthy and active, helps them make good choices and gives them self-esteem.
While judges deliberated over awards, refreshments that were provided by the Calvert 4-H All Stars. A fundraising dessert auction was hosted by the Calvert County 4-H Volunteer Association, with proceeds benefiting scholarship programs. The night was capped with an awards ceremony where every 4-H-er received a ribbon for his or her presentation. Champions were awarded in each category and age division. Champions (whose names appear in italics below) will have the opportunity to compete at the Maryland State 4-H Communications Contest at the University of Maryland in College Park on April 25. All blue ribbon winners will have an opportunity to perform their presentations at the Maryland State Fair in August.
Prepared speeches – Junior Division: Jackson Morrissey, Anthony Eyler, Olivia Eyler; Senior Division: Surjo Bandypadhyay, Katarina Guethlein. Interpretation – Clover Division: Samantha Spicknall. Radio Spots – Junior Division: Hayley Spicknall; Senior Division: Wyatt Holtery. Extemporaneous Speaking. – Junior Division: Carrie Jones; Intermediate Division: Lesley Porterfield, Lauren Butz; Senior Division: Becky Jones, Wyatt Holtery, Josiah Manning, Jordan Mister; Visual Presentations – Clover Division: Cassidy Spicknall; Junior Division: Hayley Spicknall, Julia Merranko; Intermediate Division: Lesley Porterfield, T.J. Ireland, Lauren Butz, Cody Mister; Senior Division: Surjo Bandyopadhyay. 4-H Promotions – Posters: Shania Jones; Graphics: Lesley Porterfield.
4-H is the oldest continually operating youth development program in the US, providing beneficial life skills training for youth ages 8 to 18. Pre-4-H exploratory programs are offered for Cloverbuds, ages 5 to 7. Using a variety of project areas, combined with the talents of adults willing to be positive role models and to share their life experiences with youngsters, 4-H has something for everyone. Project areas range from gardening to horses and robotics to rabbits. Helping all youngsters to find their niche and to grow, learn, and develop into responsible, competent, caring citizens is what 4-H offers. To learn more about 4-H, contact the University of MD Extension-Calvert County 4-H Office at 410-535-3662 or 301-855-1150, or email 4-H Educator, Elaine Long Bailey at elbailey@umd.edu or Ari Strahl, 4-H Program Assistant at astrahl@umd.edu. Like all University of MD Extension Programs, 4-H is equal opportunity and equal access.
