Chautauqua County 4-H Youth Speak-Up at Public Presentation Day

Jamestown, NEW YORK (March 21, 2023) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently held a two-day Public Presentation contest at Jamestown Community College on March 4, 2023 and March 6, 2023. Over the course of two days, 65 youth ages 5-18 stepped up to the challenge and gave presentations on topics ranging from “The Wonderful Honeybee” and the “History of Lego” to “African Swine Fever”. Presentation styles included demonstration, illustrated talk, speech, dramatic interpretation, and recitation.

The presentation contest is designed to challenge 4-H’ers skills and knowledge of giving a public presentation while also recognizing their abilities. 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. 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.

Youth who gave exceptional presentations were selected to participate at the Western District Public Presentation Day contest at the Revive Wesleyan Church in Hamburg, NY on March 25th. This year Abigail Carlberg, Anna Carlberg, Kendall Eckman, Hannah George, Mackenzy Graziano, Liam Griffith, Angel Heppner, Esther Knappenberger, Adam Lesch, and Garrett Lesch were selected to participate at the Western District level with Madalyn Reading and Logan Ellsworth selected as alternates. Youth that excel in presenting at the Western District level may become eligible to move onto experiences and competitions with other 4-H’ers from the state who have also excelled in public speaking.

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.

Public speaking is not something most people typically enjoy. We commend and congratulate all who stepped up to the challenge to prepare and present their topics on Public Presentation Day!

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 March 21, 2023