Pictured is Senior 4-H youth Carter Pierce of St. Lawrence County delivering his presentation entitled “The History of Hershey” Saturday, May 4 at Hermon-DeKalb School.
(DeKalb Junction, NY – May 10, 2013) 4-H youth from across the North County represented their respective counties in a district-wide Public Presentation event, hosted by Hermon-DeKalb Central School in DeKalb 
Junction.
On Saturday, May 4, a total of 34 youth from Clinton, Franklin, Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties presented to judges on a variety of topics ranging from the best racing horses of all time to toxic plant species. Presenters were divided into two age groups: juniors (ages 9-12) and seniors (ages 13-19), and presentation formats included Demonstration, Illustrated Talk, Speech, Recitation, and Dramatic Interpretation. Each presentation was evaluated by a panel of judges based on a pre-determined scoring rubric.
Although this event was technically a competition, participants see it as more of a learning experience and an opportunity to build and enhance life skills associated with public speaking.
“This is the seventh year I have had the opportunity to judge District Public presentations. I always look forward to listening to the youth share their interests. Not all great public speakers are polished and perfect. In fact, the best public speakers are enthusiastic, show their energy and passion on the subject matter and they laugh and smile. This is exactly what our 4-H youth did today,” said Stephanie Graf, Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County 4-H Program Leader.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony to recognize and congratulate the efforts of everyone. Each youth received a certificate of achievement and ribbon as well as constructive comments from the judges.
For junior participants, this was the end of the road. But for seniors Carmen Kenney, Carter Pierce, Josiah McCarthy, and Riley Green, all from St. Lawrence County, the next stop is Cornell University. These top scoring youth were selected to represent the North Country District at the State level event on Saturday, May 18 in Morrison Hall.
After several years without a State Competition, the youth were definitely excited and proud to have the opportunity to attend and compete with the top seniors throughout the state.