For most people the fear of talking in front of a crowd is debilitating, but not for 4-Hers.
March 19, at the Decker Centre, District No. 34 4-H Council hosted the North West Regional Speaking Competition.
This is year marks the 100th year of offering young people with a dream or interest (anything from photography to community gardens) the opportunity to sit down with someone who can show them how to do it. It is a time-tested learning process called "learn to do by doing."
The 4-H program helps young people discover where they shine by letting them explore what they love, discover what they don’t and try new things until they become naturals. The organization helps build tomorrows leaders through hands on experience and personal development.
As part of the Saskatchewan 4-H programming, all members must partake in some form of public speaking at the club level, either in front of one leader or the whole community. This year’s regional competition had 35 members from across the Northwest (Saskatoon to Meadow Lake and Lloydminster to North Battleford and all small towns in between) come to the Battlefords to compete on a public stage. Approximately 140 people were treated to various presentations with topics varying from peoples passions, cooking, the supernatural, travelling, pets and the rodeo.
The 10 districts in the area could send their top presenter in each age category. From here the top two orators go on to the provincial level, which will be hosted in Canwood, later in April. The winners that are moving on include:
Cloverbuds (ages 6-8) - Libby Robb From Cut Knife with her speech on “Skiing” and Shae Noble from Pierceland talking about “Her Sister;”
Juniors (age 9-12) - Martine Bosse from Saskatoon talking about “The Other Side of the World” and Sadie White from Goodsoil with “The Lies That Parents Tell;”
Intermediates (age 13-15) - Alexandra Barber from Saskatoon speaking on “Man’s Best Friend” and Silas Freeman from Durness talking about “Rodeo Star;”
Seniors (age 16-21) - Laura Carruthers from Paradise Hill with “The Power Behind Us” and Jordan Mitchell from Battleford talking on “My Passion”
Judges were Beth Walls, Jim Ellis, Terry Caldwell, Danielle Barrett, Stacey Mackay and Thomas Sullivan. The MC was Heath Gabruch. Volunteers helping with the event were Nicole Hoffos and Doug Saroka along with the members of Reining Riders, Eagle Hills and Rocking H 4-H clubs who were in attendance.
Several local businesses, community groups and municipal government provided financial support.
