COLUMBIA - Sophia Geppert, of the Hatton 4H Club, Auxvasse, competed alongside 84 other youth from 34 counties Sept. 29 at the State 4-H Public Speaking Contest.
Speakers ages 8-18 competed in one of five categories: prepared speaking, technology-assisted speaking, extemporaneous speaking, dramatic interpretation and humorous interpretation. Geppert placed first in the junior prepared speaking contest.
"Much depends on the ability to communicate as we prepare youth for the future," said Sarah Rohrbach, Callaway County Youth Program Associate. "This contest takes those communication skills learned right here in Callaway County 4-H and develops them on a larger stage."
While competition is exciting, it's really more of a means to an end, said Bradd Anderson, state 4-H youth specialist, who coordinates the event.
"Trophies can be great motivators," Anderson said, "but it's really about the skills they develop while striving to accomplish that goal."
Missouri 4-H is a program of MU Extension. For more information, visit 4h.missouri.edu or contact your local MU Extension Center.
Youth win with outstanding beef
Callaway County 4-H Exhibitors earned the honor of outstanding county in beef. This honor is awarded based off the placings earned in 4-H beef exhibits at the Missouri State Fair. Ten youth competed in 4-H beef classes in Callaway County: Adrian Brown, Adrienne Bryant, Austin Brown, Ella Baker, Gage Baker, Hayden Birge, Hunter Fansler, Katie Birge, Morgan Benne and Reed Benne.
"This award is a great honor for the youth to showcase their agriculture projects," Callaway County 4-H Youth Specialist Christal Huber said. "Several of our kids won their classes and competed at an advanced level in showmanship. This goes to show that not only are we brining superior cattle to the state fair but our youth are working hard to showcase them."
Contact Christal Huber at [email protected] or 573-642-0755 for more information.