The 4-H District III Public Speaking Program held

John Lilly
Jefferson County 4-H

The Annual 4-H District III Public Speaking contest is the final step in the public speaking education program. The program was conducted by Aucilla Christian Academy and Somerset K-12 Schools, administered by 4-H, and supported by the Florida 4-H Foundation.
The contest was held at the Wakulla County Extension Office on Saturday, April 24. Five speakers participated in the fourth and fifth grade division and five in the sixth-grade division. Jefferson County had two outstanding students to participate in the contest. In the fourth and fifth grade division was Larrie Cherry, the title of her speech, “Fifth Grade Girl Extinction.” In the sixth grade division was Maggie Walker and the title of her speech was “North Florida Citrus.” Both students received honorable mention and received a 4-H medallion and a participation certificate.
The Florida 4-H Public Speaking Program (formerly known as the 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Program) began in 1969 in Manatee County. Prior to 1986, the program was conducted in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades in eight Florida counties. In 1986 Leon County became the first North Florida county to participate in what is now known as the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Program. Other Panhandle counties soon followed. It is our goal that every youngster will receive public speaking instruction for three years.
The objectives of the Florida 4-H Public Speaking program are for all fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students to:
· Recognize the necessity of obtaining as much of the available information on a given topic as possible.
· Carefully organize the material to be presented in a timed, orderly, and thorough speech.
· Develop a pleasing personal appearance before an audience.
· Acquire the ability to speak convincingly in public, expressing ideas effectively.
· Develop confidence and poise.
· Be recognized for their accomplishments through participation and competition.
Jefferson County 4-H would like to congratulate Larrie Cherry and Maggie Walker for doing a phenomenal job with style and poise.