Orleans County youth participate
in state-wide public speaking event

The fifth annual NYS 4-H Public Presentations Event was held on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca on October 4, 2003. Sixty-four 4-H members from 37 counties ranging in ages from 13 to 18 participated in the event in the categories of Demonstration, Illustrated Talk, Speech, Recitation, and Dramatic Interpretation. Two evaluators from the Cornell University community evaluated each presenter. The presenters and their families attended a closing ceremony following the presentations where awards were presented. Each 4-H presenter received a certificate with a gold, silver or bronze seal and a marble paperweight, as a momento. The top three scores in each category received medals.

The Public Presentations program is often cited as one of the 4-H Youth Development's most beneficial and rewarding opportunities. It is the one most often credited by 4-H alumni as having given them an edge above peers in both college and professional careers. It provides a unique opportunity to develop a positive self-concept and poise, gain self-confidence before a group, learn to express ideas clearly, respond spontaneously to questions and gain subject matter knowledge. Through a progressive series of communication activities, youth learn to express themselves and their ideas.

Participants from Orleans County included Rachel Preston, 15, of Medina, and Michael Halstead, 14, of Albion. Rachel is a member of the Moonlight Dreamers 4-H Club and has been in 4-H for 8 years. Rachel's Public Presentation was on rubber stamping. In addition to Public Speaking, Rachel also participates in many other 4-H projects, including Clothing and Textiles, Food and Nutrition, Arts and Crafts and Beef Cattle. Michael is a member of the Orleans County Heelers and has been in 4-H for 6 years. Michael's Public Presentation was on dog agility. In addition to Public Speaking, Michael also participates in Dog and Llama 4-H projects. Both Rachel and Michael earned the Silver Award for their presentation.