The Box Butte County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held on April 18, 2013 at the Extension Office.

Participating and placing were Seniors Taylee Neefe (blue) & Abby Bright (blue) and Juniors Rasine Bolek (blue) and Rashell Neefe (purple). All speakers advanced on to the Regional Contest which was held on April 27 via distance learning from three locations in the Panhandle. Placing at the Regional Contest were: Taylee Neefe (red), Abby Bright (blue), Rashell Neefe (blue) and Rasine Bolek (blue).

Also participating in the county contest were Clover Kids Hailey Karrell, Gavin Bell and Jonah Amill who read a book or recited a poem.

The speaking contest encourages youth to speak in front of others and begins as early as the Clover Kid program.

Judges were Mary Theresa Green and Erin Hanson.

In the Radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) division 4-Her=s wrote and recorded a 60 second radio spot promoting 4-H. T

The top county winner, Abby Bright, a freshman at Hemingford High School, who received a purple, competed in the Regional Contest where she received another purple and has been selected to participate at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. Only 15 PSA entries state wide advance to the state contest.

The 4-H Public Speaking Contest is sponsored by the Nebraska Rural Radio Network, which includes KRVN, KNEB, and KTIC. They provide the ribbons, $25 cash award for the top four winners in the Senior Division of the Regional Contests and special awards for the state speech and PSA winners.

Former 4-H’ers say that participation in the 4-H Public Speaking program has helped them develop skills that have benefited them in high school, college and on the job. By learning how to present a speech youth develop organizational skills as well as communication skills. Being able to present your ideas effectively helps build confidence.