4-H Speech Contest winners advance to district

Submitted by John Lilly
UF/IFAS Jefferson County Director and
4-H Extension Agent

The Jefferson County-Florida 4-H Speech Contest for 2021 has ended for the classroom, school and county competitions. The multiple-level competition splits into two divisions: fourth/fifth grades and sixth grade. Each school holds classroom contests followed by the school contest and culminating with a county-wide match between the respective winners of each school.
Beginning at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, the county-wide contest opened with a welcome by ACA Principal Richard Finlayson. Instructions and guidelines were given by John Lilly, Jefferson County 4-H Agent. Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Maggie Walker.
Nine fourth/fifth graders and four sixth graders each presented an interesting, engaging, humorous or thought-provoking speech for the evening's contest. The young people showcased their creativity in building public speaking skills on topics ranging from personal experiences with examples drawn from their school or family lives to their favorite foods and sports. In addition, the voices of the young leaders of the county are to be recognized and praised.
After the presentation, the event's judges, Dr. Anna Likos and Chief Kent Watson went into another room to deliberate. One thing was sure and shared by all: every single speech of the night had been worthy of an award.
While every speaker provided a memorable speech that was unique or told an engaging and entertaining story, only two people from the county could compete at the district level. As the judges emerged from deliberation, the contestants held their breath in suspense. Finally, each child was called back to the stage and presented with a token of their participation in this year's county-wide speech contest. Then, each grade's first, second, third, and fourth winners were recognized.
Maggie Walker announced first place in both divisions. The fourth/fifth-grade winner was Emery Simon, with a speech on ancestors called "The American Dream." Bailey Fletcher won first place in the sixth-grade division with his hilarious speech entitled "The JV Football Experience." 4-H Agent John Lilly provided an encouraging word to all the participants in this year's contest, especially noting his pride in each of them.
While they did not place first, the students who participated in this year's contest were: James Boyd, "Skrrt!!!Skrrtt!!!"; Charlotte Brewster, "My Crazy Thoughts"; Mae McNeil, "A Refined Palate"; Sulyria Bellamy, "My Favorite Dessert"; Stella Borders, "Guinea Fowls"; Nicholas Brookins, "Movie Night"; Reign Carrillo, "Phillipino Born, American Raised"; Trip Davis, "Moving"; Anthony Prattini, "What Lies Beyond the Universe"; Adolai Scott, "The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling"; and Ja'Varion Ulee, "A Dive Under the Sea."
The District III Florida 4-H Public Speaking Contest is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022, at the Wakulla County Extension Office in Crawfordville, Fla. The two Jefferson County youth — Emery Simon and Bailey Fletcher — will be competing against county winners from Leon, Gadsden, Liberty, Gulf, Franklin and Wakulla Counties.
A special thank you to Aucilla Christian Academy Principal Richard Finlayson for being a fabulous host. Also, a shout out to Maggie Walker, who did an excellent job as mistress of ceremonies. Lastly, thank you, Matt Molher of Florida Power and Light, the program sponsor.