Each year there are more than 48,000 speeches given in local 4-H public speaking contests across Tennessee. Out of these, 24 4-H members competed for state honors. This year, we were able to host the public speaking contest at the 77th Tennessee 4-H Congress. Participants delivered their prepared speech and extemporaneous speech to 8 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:
Marlee Bradford – Lincoln County
Zee Carnes – Blount County
Hollyn Dickey – Perry County
Impana Dymenahalli – Williamson County
Claire Lumpkins – Knox County
Calleigh Phillips – McNairy County
The state winner, receiving a silver bowl and a cash award was Marlee Bradford of Lincoln County.
The participants in the 10th grade division were:
Lyla Finchum – Jefferson County
Catherine Gibson – Hardeman County
John Hancock – Wilson County
John Everett Martin – Hancock County
Brianna Raymond – Stewart County
Shelby Thames – Williamson County
The state winner, receiving a silver bowl and a cash award was John Hancock of Wilson County.
The participants in the 11th grade division were:
Jade Combs – Hancock County
Elisha Gaugh – Madison County
Jackson Hall – Jefferson County
Gabe Harville – Smith County
Isaac Welch – Wayne County
MaeLee Williamson – Giles 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 MaeLee Williamson of Giles County.
The participants in the 12th grade division were:
Haley Aldridge – Crockett County
Abigail Berny – Williamson County
Amelia Langford – Dyer County
Brody Metcalf – Franklin County
Carolina Shank – Hamilton County
Sophia Winauski – Sevier 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 Abigail Berny of Williamson County.
Congratulations to all the contestants. The hard work and dedication of each participant was evident in the creative and informative speeches. Lastly, we would like to thank the donors and judges for investing time, energy, and resources into the 4-H members of Tennessee.
