The Benson 4-H Beef Club hosted the District 1 4-H Public Speaking competition on February 23, 2025, showcasing the talent and dedication of young speakers from across the region. A total of 28 speakers participated, representing several 4-H clubs: Cymri 4-H Beef Club, Browning 4-H Multiple Club, Outram-Madigan 4-H Beef Club, Benson 4-H Beef Club, Crossroads 4-H Multiple Club, and Steelman 4-H Beef Club.
Throughout the day, participants presented speeches in a variety of categories, including Cloverbuds, Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors. The competition was judged by a panel of local community members: Rhonda Gillespie, Lori Naka, Allison Holzer, Merissa Scarlett, Jason Weening, and Wes Mack.
The competition featured 6 Cloverbuds, 9 Juniors, 8 Intermediates, and 5 Seniors, each delivering speeches on a range of engaging topics. From space debris to Lego and everything in between, the speakers impressed the judges and audience alike with their poise and creativity.
The winners in each category will advance to the Regional 4-H Public Speaking event in Weyburn on March 15, 2025.
Here are the results:
Cloverbud: 1st - Reed Vandenhurk - Space Debris
2nd - Raven McGrath - Falconry
3rd - Cullay Young - Everyone Pitches In
Junior: 1st - Lexus Zieglgansberger - Words Matter
2nd - Leelynn Fornwald - Trip to Vetavision
3rd - Claira Sinclair - Orcas
Intermediate: 1st - Sierra Mantei - My Journey with French
2nd - Emmett Gill - Sports
3rd - Luke Vandenhurk - My First Buck
Senior: 1st - Slade Erdman - Winning By Losing
2nd - Montana Sernick - Pepsi vs. Coke
3rd - Alex Van De Woestyne - Lego