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.