The annual Smith County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held at Smith County Middle School on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Sixty-seven talented 4-H’ers from across Smith County competed by giving a prepared speech, ranging from 1-7 minutes depending on grade level.

4-H’ers received an invitation to the county contest by placing 1st or 2nd in their classroom speech contest. Over 800 speeches were given by 4-H’ers at the local 4-H club level this year! We are incredibly proud of every student who gave a speech and especially proud of the ones who chose to move on to the next level of competition.

Awards for the night went to:

4th Grade

• 1st Place – Scarlett Hicks, FRS
• 2nd Place – Katie Wilson, Homeschool
• 3rd Place – Mason Grisham, GES
• 3rd Place – Jax Mason, GES

5th Grade

• 1st Place – Tripp Medley, SCMS
• 2nd Place – Chloe Williams, GES
• 3rd Place – Cecelia Cowan, SCMS
• 3rd Place – Evie Wilson, Homeschool

6th Grade

• 1st Place – John Haynes Winkler, GES
• 2nd Place – Avery Myers, FRS
• 3rd Place – Luke Chartier, Homeschool

7th Grade

• 1st Place – Tana Harville, Homeschool
• 2nd Place – Makenna Hassler, GMU
• 3rd Place – Kara Brooks, SCMS
• 3rd Place – Kylee Overall, SCMS

8th Grade

• 1st Place – Turner Harville, Homeschool
• 2nd Place – Kasie Thomas, SCMS
• 3rd Place – Bella Anderson, SCMS

11th Grade

• 1st Place – Gabe Harville, SCHS
• 2nd Place – Kynlee Davis, Homeschool
• 3rd Place – Cheyenne Ricketts, SCHS

The top two contestants in each grade level will have the opportunity to move on to compete at the sub-regional contest in January. Congratulations again to all of these fine young people!

Smith County 4-H would like to thank the administrators and faculty at Smith County Middle School for allowing us to host our event there.

Thank you also to following community members who graciously volunteered their time and attention to serve as judges: Dennis Banka, Diann Bussell, Holly Harper, Matt Inyart, Taylor Martin, Justin Mauldin, Stephanie McCaleb, Joey Nixon, and Sarah Marie Smith.

Current 4-H’ers and 4-H Alumni Emmy Bibbings, Abby Malone, Carson Meeks, and Spencer Meeks helped facilitate the event by serving as room chairs.

Finally, thank you to all of the family members, teachers, principals, and others who have encouraged and assisted these 4-H’ers with their speeches. Your support and their hard work is evident and appreciated!

The 4-H Youth Development Program delivers programs through cooperative efforts of the University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, and public and private sector volunteers. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H educational programs are offered to all youth, grades 4-12, on an age-appropriate basis, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation or disability.

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