4-H hosts county Tropicana contest

Several students competed at the annual 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest county contest Nov. 15.

A total of 22 students representing seven Nassau County students presented their speeches to a live audience, including three community judges.

The students with the highest scores in 12 different categories each received a plaque for first through third place. Additionally, the first-place winners in each grade level also received a full scholarship to attend the week-long 4-H Cherry Lake summer sleepover camp.  

The judges evaluated the competitors using a rigorous list of criteria, including choice of material, delivery, articulation and audience bond.  

The 4-H Florida Tropicana Public Speaking Program and contest has been an annual Nassau County tradition for more than 20 years. The county contest was the culmination of hundreds of hours of hard work by students and teachers alike. 

First, a total of 1,499 students prepared their speeches under the guidance of teachers, using curriculum provided by 4-H. The students then polished, revised and practiced delivering the speeches in front of their classes before competing with other students within their schools. Winning students from the fourth, fifth and sixth grade at each school then advanced to the county competition.  

The sixth-grade winners were first place, Gabriella Oldaker from Callahan Middle School; second place, Emma Dillard from Hilliard Middle School; third place, Kenneth Mathis from Hilliard Middle School and honorable mention, Kory Moser from Callahan Middle School.  

The fifth-grade winners were first place, Alyssa Neal from Emma Love Hardee Elementary School; second place, Sadie Pouncey from Wildlight Elementary School and third place, Vala Harrison from Bryceville Elementary School.  

The fourth-grade winners were first place, Jack Fagre from Wildlight Elementary School; second place, Sara Carter from Hilliard Middle School and third place, Duncan Chesler from Wildlight Elementary School.