2024 4-H Public Speaking Contest, 6^th Grade

Today marked a remarkable milestone for the Citrus County 4-H Public Speaking Contest as it celebrated its 25th year of fostering young orators. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Crystal River and Citrus County 4-H, and hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension University of Florida, this event continues to be a cornerstone in cultivating the art of public speaking among sixth-grade students.

Dr. Marnie L. Ward, the UF/IFAS Citrus County 4-H Extension Service Agent, kicked off the event by underlining the significance of public speaking in everyday interactions and the pivotal role it plays in shaping future success. Indeed, the ability to articulate thoughts coherently and think on one’s feet is a skill that transcends age and profession.

The Florida 4-H and their Public Speaking Programs have long championed the idea that instilling public speaking skills at a young age is paramount. By empowering students to express themselves confidently, the program equips them with a tool that will serve them well throughout their lives, both personally and professionally.

The success of today’s event would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of numerous individuals. From student teachers to Citrus Schools Specialist Deborah Beck, from volunteers to the esteemed panel of judges, each played a vital role in ensuring the smooth execution of the contest. Special recognition goes to UF/IFAS Citrus County 4-H Sr. Program Assistant Toni Noaker and Dr. Marnie L. Ward for their unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent.

Amidst stiff competition, several standout performances captivated the audience and impressed the judges. Izzy Henson from Lecanto Middle School clinched the top spot with her engaging speech on “What Life Would Be Like Without a Twin,” showcasing a blend of creativity and poise. Following closely behind was Elijah Touchton from Seven Rivers Christian School, who shared heartfelt anecdotes about “Fishing with my Dad,” securing the second position. Jessica Neveau from Citrus Springs Middle School claimed the third spot with her thought-provoking speech titled “Four Minutes,” while Karson Roddenberry from Crystal River Middle School received an honorable mention for his insightful speech on “Educating Teachers.”

As the curtains draw on another successful edition of the Citrus County 4-H Public Speaking Contest, the impact of today’s event reverberates far beyond the confines of the auditorium. With each eloquent delivery and impassioned plea, these young speakers have taken a significant step towards realizing their full potential as confident communicators and future leaders.

Below is a list of the 2024 middle school students and their speech titles who qualified as the top two finishers from their respective school levels:

6TH GRADE SPEAKERS

Inverness Middle

McKenna Thompson “Michigan”

Addison Rouleau “The Best Holiday”

 

Citrus Springs Middle

Jessica Neveau “Four Minutes”

Blyth Mitchell “The Under Dog”

 

Lecanto Middle

Naiya Patel “From Convenience to Concerns: The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping”

Izzy Henson “What Life Would Be Like Without a Twin”

 

Seven Rivers Christian

Elijah Touchton “Fishing with my Dad”

Kendall Lemar “Stuck in the Brace”

 

Crystal River Middle

Karson Roddenberry “Educating Teachers”

Michael Olsen “Goal Keeping”

 

Saint John Paul II

Launa Chamberlin “Artificial and Natural Dyes”

Daisy Martin “911 Dispatchers”

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