HOULTON, Maine — Aroostook County 4-H held its annual public speaking tournament on Saturday, March 18th.
Four 4-H members presented on topics of their choice to an audience of family and friends at the Houlton UMaine Cooperative Extension Office, located in the Houlton Higher Education Center.
Through the 4-H public speaking program, members learn to utilize effective communication skills, give and receive constructive feedback, and build confidence to express themselves in various life situations.
Austin Quimby is a junior member (for ages 9 to 13) of the Aroostook Valley Baby Beef Club. He won a blue ribbon for his presentation on artificial insemination in cows. He qualified for the Maine state 4-H public speaking tournament, which will be held in April at UMaine in Orono.
Clover Bud 4-H members, ages 5 to 8, received participation ribbons and certificates. Esther Han offered a presentation on marigolds, Grace Han talked about gymnastics and Ellie Cook discussed bracelet making.
Judges for the tournament were Emily Dow of Umaine Cooperative Extension; Pamela Hickey, 4-H leader and UMaine Cooperative Extension staff member; and Nancy Wright, a retired educator representing the Maine Agri-Business Women’s Association.