Twelve Smith County 4-H’ers recently had the opportunity to show off their public speaking skills at the Area II Sub-Regional 4-H Public Speaking Contest, which was held at Hyder-Burks Ag Pavilion in Cookeville on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Our local 4-H’ers competed against their peers from ten other counties across the Upper Cumberland. 4-H’ers were invited to the area contest by placing 1st or 2nd in their grade division at our county-wide speech contest in December.

In the 4th grade division, Scarlett Hicks and Katie Wilson competed, and Katie was awarded 4th place.

In the 5th grade division, Tripp Medley and Chloe Williams competed.

Representing the 6th grade were Avery Myers and John-Haynes Winkler. John-Haynes placed 5th in that division.

Makenna Hassler and Tana Harville competed in the 7th grade division, with Makenna placing 4th and Tana placing 2nd overall.

In the 8th grade division, Turner Harville and Kasie Thomas competed, and Turner received 3rd place.

Kynlee Davis and Gabe Harville competed in the 11th grade division, and both qualified to advance to the Central Region Senior High Public Speaking contest, which was held at Cumberland University on Saturday, February 3, 2024. At this contest, Senior High 4-H’ers gave a prepared speech that was worth 75% of their score and an extemporaneous speech that counted for 25%. Gabe and Kynlee both did an excellent job!

Gabe was one of the top two in the 11th grade division, which means he will advance to compete again at 4-H Congress in March.

We are so proud of all of these 4-H’ers and the way that they represent Smith County throughout our region and state!

Please call 615-735-2900 for further information regarding the many 4-H activities and events available to our great young people in Smith County.