Empowering Young Voices: Judging the 2025 Citrus Springs Middle School 4-H Public Speaking Finals

On Friday, February 7, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for the 2025 Citrus Springs Middle School 4-H Public Speaking Finals. I was joined by co-judges Eileen Jenkin, Program Specialist for Instructional Technology at Citrus County Schools, and Deborah Beck, Secondary Program Specialist for ELA, ESOL, and World Languages. Having previously attended this event as both a parent and a judge, I can confidently say that each year is more inspiring than the last. This competition showcases the remarkable talents of young orators who demonstrate poise, confidence, and an exceptional ability to communicate their thoughts effectively.

Public speaking is an essential skill that is sometimes overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in both personal and professional success. By providing students with opportunities to practice and refine their public speaking abilities from a young age, we are equipping them with the confidence and communication skills necessary for future leadership roles. These public speaking contests have been embedded in Citrus County Schools’ DNA for decades, recognizing the significant role they play at the classroom, school, and regional levels.

This year’s competition featured ten outstanding finalists, each bringing a unique perspective and engaging delivery to the stage. Their speeches reflected a diverse range of interests and passions, from personal experiences to science, technology, and social issues. It was evident that each student had dedicated significant time and effort to crafting their presentations, making for an exciting and thought-provoking event.

The finalists and their speeches were as follows: Vivien Roshi opened the competition with “What Do I Know?”, setting a high standard for the event. Shealynn Hunter explored perception and reality with “Fake or Fantasy.” Analise Terry shared heartfelt reflections on sibling bonds in “Life With a Built-In Best Friend.” Natalee Colon gave a touching account of her family’s pool construction business in “My Family Business,” which earned her a warm embrace from her family. Ruby Rogers delivered “Fit For the Job,” emphasizing preparation and dedication in a career path. Anthony Huggins brought a fun and nostalgic element to the competition with “Super Mario.” Lydia Lanzarone offered an insightful discussion on time management with “The Value of Time.”

As the competition progressed, the audience and judges were captivated by the passion and dedication of these young speakers. After much deliberation, the top three winners were announced: Scarlet Capahi took first place with her well-researched and articulate speech on economic trends, “Inflation.” Wyatt Wilson secured second place with “What Started It All,” an engaging storytelling experience. Ronnie Capahi earned third place with “Not All Humans,” a heartfelt and thought-provoking speech about autism.

Scarlet Capahi and Wyatt Wilson will now advance to the 4-H Regional Public Speaking Competition, hosted by the UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office. The Secondary competition will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by the Elementary competition on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Both events will be held at the Central Ridge Community Center, located at 77 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.

It was an honor to be part of this event and witness firsthand the dedication and growth of these students. Public speaking is more than just delivering a speech—it is about building confidence, honing communication skills, and learning to express ideas effectively. The students of Citrus Springs Middle School, as well as those participating in public speaking competitions across our school district, have taken an important step in mastering this essential skill. I have no doubt they will continue to excel in their academic and professional journeys. I would like to thank all the teachers, family members, and others who support and mentor our students, encouraging them throughout the process of preparing their speeches. You play a key role in their success.

A special thank you to Muriel Burnett, Citrus Springs Middle School Instructional Coach, for coordinating and overseeing the contest, along with the support of CSMS Principal Kyle Jaecks and CSMS Media Specialist Michele Vann. Congratulations to all participants, and best of luck to Scarlet and Wyatt as they represent Citrus Springs Middle School at the regional competition! The future is bright for these young leaders, and I look forward to seeing where their voices take them next.

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