Published: May 14, 2008 08:47 am      

Post hole digger new weight loss remedy!

By Katherine Allen

Suwannee County

Extension Director



That was the claim recently, during the 4-H Tropicana public speaking contest held at the Suwannee County School Board Office. First-place winners from county schools presented their speeches at this final county competition. The competition is coordinated by the UF/IFAS Suwannee County Extension 4-H program. The youth entertained and impressed the audience with their speeches that included topics such as “What is a Clef Palate,” Air Pollution, and what life will be like in the future (“Blast Off to the Future”). Parents, teachers and friends attended to cheer on the speakers. In addition, many of the school contest winners were able to attend to gain pointers and encourage their classmates.

The judges, Elaine Williams, Suzanne Tillman and Meri Harrell, had a tough job. Winners were selected based upon the highest number of accumulated points. Each speech had to be originally written (no repeat speeches from previous years) and had to be two to three minutes in length. The final contestants had prepared diligently for this moment in front of the audience.

The program was a cooperative effort with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension 4-H program, the Suwannee County School Board and Tropicana. Tropicana has sponsored the “4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest” since 1969 and provides classroom materials for teachers, certificates of participation, medallions for school winners and trophies for county winners. In addition, our county winners win a 4-H summer camp scholarship to Camp Cherry Lake scheduled June 30-July 3 this year. Plus, in addition to the snacks the school board provided for the reception, there were Tropicana orange juice refreshments for county contestants. Close to two million students have participated in this program since its beginning.

A plaque with a gold medallion was awarded to the first place speakers Morgan McMullen (6th grade) and Katie White (5th grade). A plaque with a silver medallion was awarded to the second place winners Holly Crutchfield (5th grade) and Wyatt Thomas (6th grade).

The contest, designed to help youth communicate more effectively, included 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Youth learned how to research, organize and deliver a speech on a topic of their choice. When asked what the hardest part of the contest was, many responded, “choosing a topic.” They also confided that it became easier and easier to get up in front of a crowd the more times they delivered a speech.

Special thanks to Mrs. Nancy Roberts, the Suwannee County Director of Elementary Education, who helped coordinate the efforts and who provided the snacks for the reception. Thanks also to the teachers who guided the students through the speech writing and delivery process, the parents who supported the kids and to Carolyn Williams, who organized the materials through 4-H. On behalf of all of those involved, we want to congratulate all of the kids who practiced and participated in delivering these challenging skills that will help them in their future educational and professional aspirations. Keep up the great work!