4-H’ers bring home Grand Championships

Special To The News-Express

On Saturday May 17, several Pike County 4-H’ers traveled to Ashland for the District 1 Communications Day competition. Four of them received the Grand Champion award for 4-H demonstrations and will be competing at the state level in Lexington.

James Maynard, 15, Belfry High School, was 4-H demonstration Grand Champion in the presentation of software category for his PowerPoint presentation and demonstration on how to candle eggs.

Seventeen-year-old Adam Steward, Belfry High School, was Grand Champion in the Crafts category for his demonstration on how to make window clings.

Amanda Arts, 10, Christ Central School, was awarded Grand Champion in the Crafts category (Junior Division) for her demonstration on how to make a tie pillow.

Thirteen-year-old Cody Phillips, Belfry Middle School, was Grand Champion in the Foods category for his demonstration on how to make homemade fudge.

Also representing Pike County and receiving the awards of Reserve Grand Champion were: Sarah Compton, 12, Belfry Middle School, who gave a speech; Megan Syck, 11, Millard Middle School, who presented a speech and; Tyler Bentley, 12, Dorton Elementary School, who also presented a speech.

According to Novella Froman, Pike County Extension 4-H agent, “The important thing is for youths to give 4-H speech a try because they accomplish their goal the first time they get up in front of their peer group. The earlier youths begin the program and the longer they stick with it, the stronger their public speaking skills will be.”

The statewide 4-H speech competition is set for July 12 at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. Competitions are judged on the youths’ presentation and ability to clearly deliver their message. Speeches can be on any topic, and youth compete in one of nine age groups.

For more information on how to get involved next year in a 4-H speech program in Pike County contact 4-H agents Courtney Conn and Froman at the Pike County Cooperative Extension Service, 432-2534.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.