Illinois Valley

Youth participate in public speaking contest, 3 advance to state contest

Local contest held at IVCC

4-H members from La Salle and Marshall-Putnam counties demonstrated their public speaking skills Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the multi-county competition held at Illinois Valley Community College.

Youth from Bureau, La Salle and Marshall-Putnam Counties displayed their public speaking skills March 8 during the 4-H Public Speaking Contest at Illinois Valley Community College.

This contest was a multi-county event where participants brought energy to the stage. All speakers were awarded a blue ribbon; state delegates will be able to compete at the 4-H State Public Speaking Contest held on April 26 at Parkland Community College in Champaign.

Participants in this year’s competition are as follows:

Formal Speech Division

  • Myracle Johnson (La Salle County): Best Speech (La Salle County), Overall Best Speech and State Delegate
  • Kiryn Schaer (Marshall-Putnam)

Illustrated Speech Division

  • Ella Wier (Marshall-Putnam)

Oral Interpretation Speech Division

  • Emelia Farrier (La Salle County)

Original Works Speech Division

  • Lillian Miller (La Salle County)
  • Gwen and Josie Heeley (Marshall-Putnam): Best Speech (Marshall Putnam County) and State Delegate

To learn more about 4-H opportunities, call University of Illinois Extension at 217-244-5812 or email Shasta Hladovcak at shlad@illinois.edu.

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello

Derek Barichello is the news editor for The Times in Ottawa and NewsTribune in La Salle, part of Shaw Local News Network, covering La Salle, Bureau and Putnam counties. He covers local and breaking news in the areas of government, education, business and crime and courts, among others.