The development of life skills among youth is a primary goal for the 4-H Youth Development Program. While oral communication skills are among the skills most commonly associated with productive living, they are not as heavily emphasized as writing, reading and computing. In order to enhance these skills in a high number of Hamilton County youth, the UF/IFAS Extension Hamilton County 4-H Youth Development Program and Tropicana offered the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program to all fourth, fifth and sixth grade students.  Hamilton County schools, public and private, have recognized the importance of communicating effectively, and have endorsed the inclusion of this public speaking education program in the curriculum for 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Corinth Christian Academy included 3rd graders as a new addition this year.  

The 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program began in 1969 in Manatee County, location of Tropicana’s main office. Prior to 1986 the program was conducted in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in eight Florida counties. In 2005 Hamilton County joined many other counties all over the state of Florida participating in the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program. During the past couple of months, approximately 400 students of Hamilton County participated in this program. In addition, countless volunteers helped students and approximately 22 teachers served as 4-H Public Speaking Project leaders by setting aside part of their classroom time to help students research, organize, practice, critique, and present speeches and countless numbers of parents helped at home. 

As an integral part of this contest, Tropicana provided development and printing of all materials including teacher lesson plans, student brochures, etc,. Tropicana also provided ribbons, medallions, and plaques for participants at various levels of the competition.

Four groups participated in the 4-H Tropicana Speaking Contest this year: South Hamilton Elementary, Corinth Christian Academy, North Hamilton Elementary, and Central Hamilton Elementary.  Fourth grade school winners included:  Aleana Gallegos, Central Hamilton Elementary; Kiley Melvin, Corinth Christian Academy; Bri’Asja Marshall, North Hamilton Elementary; and Leondra McCloud, South Hamilton Elementary. Fifth grade school winners were as follows: Roman Perez, Central Hamilton Elementary; Kelly Cox, Corinth Christian Academy; Leanna Adkins, North Hamilton Elementary; and Elora McGuire, South Hamilton Elementary. Sixth grade school winners included: Bailey Swayze, Central Hamilton Elementary; Triston Carter, Corinth Christian Academy; Zane Sadler, North Hamilton Elementtary; and Timothy Warfel, South Hamilton Elementary. Third grade, non-competitive participant was Taylor Clement, Corinth Christian Academy.

This year’s county competition was held on December 16, at the Hamilton County High School Auditorium. Four fourth graders, four fifth graders and four sixth graders competed to decide the county winner for each level.  Mrs. Janney welcomed everyone and introduced each speaker.  Judges were Becky Bennett, Wendy Bragdon and Kasey Bass.  Youth spoke on a number of different things including animals, sports, family and various other topics.  Judges tallied the scores and guests were invited to enjoy refreshments prepared by Hamilton County High School Culinary Arts, A Touch of Classes Café.  The presentation of awards was made by Heather Janney, UF/IFAS Extension Hamilton County 4-H Youth Development/Family and Consumer Science Agent.  

Fourth grade county winners were: 1st Place Kiley Melvin, 2nd Place Bri’Asja Marshall,  3rd Place Aleana Gallegos and Honorable Mention Leondra McCloud. Fifth grade county winners were: 1st Place Elora McGuire, 2nd Place Leanna Adkins, 3rd Place Roman Perez and Honorable Mention Kelly Cox. Sixth grade county winners were: 1st Place Zane Sadler, 2nd Place Bailey Swayze, 3rd  Place Triston Carter and Honorable Mention Timothy Warfel. All winners received plaques provided by Tropicana.  All winners for the 4-H/Tropicana Hamilton County Contest were given the opportunity to participate in the district level contest with other county winners from Madison, Gilchrist, Suwannee, Levy, Dixie, Taylor, and Lafayette Counties in April/May (date to be determined) at District IV 4-H District Events. First place winners were also awarded an all expenses paid trip to 4-H Camp Cherry Lake, with Hamilton County 4-H, June 13-17.