Tom Broyles, TSU Extension Program Leader, 4-H Youth Development
Each year there are more than 60,000 speeches given in local 4-H public speaking contests across Tennessee. Out of these, 24 4-H members competed for state honors. This year, Tennessee 4-H held a virtual public speaking contest. Participants recorded both their prepared speech and extemporaneous speech for 17 judges. The judges then evaluated each speech for organization, accuracy, and effect. 4-H members competed to earn a cash award from the Henry County Extension staff and a silver bowl provided by the Lute Truett Memorial fund. In addition, the 11th grade state winner received a $500 scholarship provided by the friends and family of Lorna Norwood in her memory and the 12th grade state winner received a $1,000 scholarship provided by the family of Leon Foster in his memory.
The participants in the 9th grade division were:
Addie Brooks – Claiborne County
Alex Carpenter – Obion County
Britta Gaetjens – Putnam County
Allen Jones – Robertson County
Nolan Purser – Rhea County
Maddie Grace Thierfelder – Madison County
The state winner, receiving a silver bowl and a cash award was Nolan Purser of Rhea County.
The participants in the 10th grade division were:
Lake Bates – Hickman County
Grady Branton – Sevier County
Eden Carnes – Blount County
Aidan Flynn – Macon County
Bailey Steger – Putnam County
Caleb Todd – Gibson County
The state winner, receiving a silver bowl and a cash award was Eden Carnes of Blount County.
The participants in the 11th grade division were:
Ashtyn Drake – Madison County
Olivia Jarvis – Smith County
JuliAnn Jouben – Rhea County
Nikke Lawrence – Monroe County
Dylan Simmons – Van Buren County
Jannan Wine – Dickson County
The state winner, receiving a $500 scholarship provided by the friends and family of Lorna Norwood in her memory, a silver bowl, and a cash award was Ashtyn Drake of Madison County.
The participants in the 12th grade division were:
Dan Branton – Sevier County
Christian Hawbaker – Henry County
Laura Grace Jenkins – Hawkins County
Sorrell Martin – Lincoln County
Jana Owen – Lincoln County
Katherine Ann Thierfelder – Madison County
The state winner, receiving a $1,000 scholarship provided by the family of Leon Foster in his memory, a silver bowl, and a cash award was Sorrell Martin of Lincoln County.
Congratulations to all of the contestants. The hard work and dedication of each participant was evident in the creative and informative speeches. Lastly, I would like to thank the donors and judges for investing time, energy, and resources into the 4-H members of Tennessee.
