4-H holds annual speaking contest

1 year ago

HOULTON, Maine — Aroostook County 4-H held its annual public speaking tournament on Saturday, March 18th.  

Four 4-H members presented on topics of their choice to an audience of family and friends at the Houlton UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, located in the Houlton Higher Education Center.  

Through the 4-H public speaking program, members learn to utilize effective communication skills, give and receive constructive feedback, and build confidence to express themselves in various life situations.  

Austin Quimby gave an illustrated talk on artificial insemination in cows, and was awarded a blue ribbon. (Courtesy of Aroostook County 4-H)

Austin Quimby is a junior member (for ages 9 to 13) of the Aroostook Valley Baby Beef Club. He won a blue ribbon for his presentation on artificial insemination in cows. He qualified for the Maine state 4-H public speaking tournament, which will be held in April at UMaine in Orono.  

Esther Han presents an illustrated talk titled “Why I Love Marigolds.”
(Courtesy of Aroostook County 4-H)

Clover Bud 4-H members, ages 5 to 8, received participation ribbons and certificates. Esther Han offered a presentation on marigolds, Grace Han talked about gymnastics and Ellie Cook discussed bracelet making. 

Grace Han presents an illustrated talk titled “All about Gymnastics.” (Courtesy of Aroostook County 4-H)

 Judges for the tournament were Emily Dow of Umaine Cooperative Extension; Pamela Hickey, 4-H leader and UMaine Cooperative Extension staff member; and Nancy Wright, a retired educator representing the Maine Agri-Business Women’s Association.