The University of Maryland Extension Worcester County 4-H Youth Development Program held its annual Public Speaking contest on March 18 with members from five community clubs competing.  Eleven youth, ranging in age from 7-15 years old, competed in four categories; Prepared Speech, Interpretation, Radio Spot and Extemporaneous.

Eight-year-old Keira Lucas scored 96 points with her speech on healthy foods and was awarded the blue ribbon by the judges. Anna Hulslander took first place for her interpretation of Shel Silverstein’s poem “Food”.  Competing in the clover division, the youngest contestant, Laura Wenzel, took home a blue ribbon with a contest-high 98 points in the Radio Spot category. In the junior division for Radio Spot, Emily Wenzel mirrored her sister’s score, while Brandon Sellers came in with a close second place finish of 97 points.

In the Extemporaneous category, with 96 points, Sarah Wenzel bested all competitors in the senior division followed by Jack Blakelock, Chloe Holland and Tierra Watkins. Blue ribbons went to Gus Blakelock in the intermediate division and Roman Holland in the junior division.

Pictured, front from left, are Roman Holland, Laura Wenzel, Keira Lucas and Brandon Sellers; back, Tierra Watkins, Jack Blakelock, Gus Blakelock, Chloe Holland, Sarah Wenzel, Emily Wenzel and Anna Hulslander.