If You Could Just Listen...

 

Today is one of our favorite county 4-H events, County Activity Day.  For those of you not familar with this anual competition, it is where our youth have the opportunity to give a presentation or compete in public speaking to win awards, and get the chance to move up to compete against 17 other counties at District Activity Day.  This year the compeititon was fierce and our youth had some interesting topics and opinions that they shared with us.

Starting with our Cloverbud division, 5-7 year olds, Kingsley Roberson with the Young Leaders 4-H Club told us about his favorite transformers.  This age category is none competitive each youth gets a participation ribbon and practical feedback to get them ready for competition when they are nine.

We moved on to our 8-10 year old age division.  Thomas Underwood, with the Dirty Rascals Jr. Master Gardener 4-H Club gave a presentation in Science and Technology on Why Rocks are so heavy.  He shared his favorite type of rock with us and gave us great insight to his future carer of being a geologist.  He took first place in his age and category. 

In the 11-13 age division things got interesting.  Jahari Roberson and Malachi Jones with the Young Leaders 4-H Club went head to head in public speaking.  Jahari spoke on the impact 4-H has already had in her life and Malachi gave a speech on why he hates homework.  Although the scores were close, Jahari walked away with the first place win and Malachi came out with second.

Our 14-18 year olds showed up this year.  In presentations we had three presenters in three different topic areas.  Ian Malloy, with the Animal Science 4-H Club took home first place for his speech on Community Service.  Walt Malloy, also with the Animal Science 4-H Club took home first place in Small and Companion Animals for his speech on why kids need pets.  Jasmine King with the Titans 4-H Club took home first place for her presentation on Mac and Cheese which is in the Dairy Food Category.  Let me tell you the judges were happy to sample her mac and cheese, it got two thumbs up as did her presentation.  Our senior division was rounded out by three members of Young Leaders 4-H Club, all of whom competed in Public Speaking.  Taylor Hunter spoke about what you need to consider when choosing a college.  Demetrius Jones spoke about the importance of playing team sports.  Amare Jones spoke about the lessons learned in sports.  When it was all said and done, Taylor took first, Demetrius took second, and Amare took third place.  

Another addition to County Activity Day is 4-H Entertains.  This is a talent showcase in which two people can be chosen to move forward to District and represent the county program.  Today Thomas Underwood with the  Dirty Rascals Jr. Naster Gardener 4-H Club played the piano for us.  The judges deemed him to be our representative to move forward to District.  Congratulations Thomas.

All youth who placed first or second in their age category and division have the opportunity to move forward to District Activity Day which will be held June 14 at Mount Olive University.  We look forward to seeing everyone there and hearing their polished speeches as they represent the county program.

Also special thanks to our judges who took the time to be there today and offer constructive feedback to the youth.

To see all the photos from today's event please click this link.

Job well done everyone!