State 4-H Public Speaking Contest Results

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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.

State 4-H Public Speaking - 9th grade division

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.

State 4-H Public Speaking - 10th grade division

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.

State 4-H Public Speaking - 11th grade division

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.

State 4-H Public Speaking - 12th grade division

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.