Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Participate at Western District Public Presentation Day

Jamestown, NEW YORK (June 15, 2023) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently held a one-day Public Presentation contest at Revive Wesleyan Church in Hamburg, New York. Chautauqua County youth that placed in the top 10 of our local competition were invited to compete in the Western District Public Presentation Day, which is attended by youth from Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. This year 54 youth ages 8-18 stepped up to the challenge and presented on various topics using different presentation styles including demonstration, illustrated talk, interview, and speech.

Chautauqua County youth that gave exceptional presentations at our previous county level contest were selected to participate at the Western District Public Presentation Day. This year Abigail Carlberg, Anna Carlberg, Kendall Eckman, Logan Ellsworth, Hannah George, Mackenzy Graziano, Liam Griffith, Angel Heppner, Adam Lesch, and Garrett Lesch participated at the Western District level. Mackenzy Graziano took 4th place in this competition and was selected to advance to the New York State round of presentations. Of those that excel in presenting at the New York State level, six may become eligible to move onto the Northeast States Speak Up Fest.

4-H Presentation contests are designed to challenge 4-H’ers skills and knowledge of giving a public presentation while also recognizing their abilities. This contest provides an opportunity for 4-H'ers to develop and practice communication skills, build self-confidence, enhance knowledge in a selected subject matter area, and share information with others. Teams of volunteer evaluators provide feedback to the youth. After each presentation youth meet with their evaluators to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation. Public speaking aligns with the New York State 4-H Youth Development values that promote the development of skills that help young people succeed in higher education, their chosen career path, and as members of their families and communities.

Chautauqua County 4-H youth members have other opportunities to give presentations at their club and animal projects as well as at the 4-H Youth Building at the Chautauqua County Fair. We commend and congratulate all who stepped up to the challenge to prepare and present their topics at our county Public Presentation Day and to those who moved on to the next level of competition!

The 4-H Youth Development Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated June 15, 2023