The Logan County 4-H Communications Night took place on Monday, March 21st at the Logan County Extension Office. The students presented speeches and demonstrations on various topics, while 4-H volunteers served as judges and room monitors for the event. Students vied for the championship honor in each class, but only one could be named in each of the age groups or demonstration categories. The 2011 Logan County 4-H Communications Night Speeches were: Sarah Edgar – “America’s Superwoman,” Matthew Edgar – “The Origin and Progression of Football”, Jarrett Hamilton – “My Road to the NFL,” Cody McEflresh – “14 Then 1,” Zachery McElfresh – “Zachery Taylor,” Brittany Smith – “Eternal Flame,” and Becca McElfresh – “Pirates.” The demonstration was: Sarah Edgar – “Mexican Delight.” Cody McElfresh, Matthew Edgar, Jarrett Hamilton, Sarah Edgar, Brittany Smith and Becca McElfresh qualified to compete in the Area 4-H Communications Contest in Barren County. Each of these 4-H youth also received a blue ribbon score for their efforts.

At the area contest, Cody, Matt, Jarrett, Brittany, Becca and Sarah each received a blue ribbon. Jarrett Hamilton and Sarah Edgar was each champion and will be competing at the State 4-H Communications contest in July on the University of Kentucky campus.

Learning to be a good public speaker is something that will be useful through a 4-H member’s lifetime. Good public speakers are made, not born. The necessary skills associated with being a good public speaker have always been an important part of the 4-H experience. Teachers and parents are the key to insuring that their students and children have opportunity to speak in public. The Logan County 4-H program provides that opportunity every spring for 9-19 year olds. Teachers are encouraged to conduct 4-H speech contests in their classrooms. Parents must provide the support for transportation and encouragement to participate in such an important event.

Public speaking is generally not everyone’s most favorite thing to do. However, it is necessary when we get into our jobs, volunteer in organizations or get active in our churches … we typically find ourselves up in front of a group. If you have had experience in front of a group through your childhood, you typically feel less nervous in front of a group. Many people attribute their success in their job to the experiences they had in the 4-H public speaking program.

A special thanks to those who served as judges or room leaders for the 4-H Talk Meet here in Logan County.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.