4-H members developed necessary communication skills by showcasing presentations and talent at the Post Rock District 4-H Day events in Beloit on Feb. 10, Smith Center on March 4, or by virtual competition.

One hundred, eighty-six youth representing local 4-H clubs in Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne and Smith counties practiced public speaking, presentation, demonstration, skit, music, model meeting and dance skills. Youth also completed judging contests to test their knowledge about lifeskills such as money management, parliamentary procedure and how to write a thank you; plant science crop and weed identification; and photography quality selection and technique knowledge.

"4-H is a great way for children and teens to learn to talk to people of all ages and showcase their talents," explained Risa Overmiller, Post Rock 4-H program coordinator. Learning to be a good public speaker is something that will be useful for a lifetime.

Throughout the 4-H Day experience, youth present in front of a judge who provides feedback to help youth learn how to perform and present an idea with increased confidence, poise and intention. Kim Naber, 4-H program coordinator, shared, "Young people who feel comfortable speaking in front of others have a great sense of self-confidence and are better able to practice respect for themselves and others."

According to Tonia Underwood, 4-H program coordinator, "4-H allows youth to work on building independence, resilience and compassion all while having fun and encouraging their friends and club." Kansas 4-H has more than 40 project areas, so individuals can find their spark and learn how to excel in that area. If interested in joining a 4-H club in your community, contact the local K-State Research and Extension office.

Ribbon rankings of purple, blue and red were awarded to 4-H Day participants. Top purples were recognized with an Outstanding Presentation Sensation (OPS). The judging contests recognized the top three placers across the Post Rock District.

Devyn Frost, a member of the Mankato Eager Beavers, competes in the photography judging contest at the Post Rock District 4-H Day.

Results for Mankato Eager Beavers 4-H members are: Jacob Cockroft-senior illustrated talks, blue. Devyn Frost-junior project talk, purple; junior reading, OPS. Harlee Harris-intermediate illustrated talks, red; senior plant science judging contest, second tie. Kendall Koss-cloverbud project talk, participation. Model meeting, red, participants - Jacob Cockroft, William Cockroft, Stetson Colson, Waysen Colson, Emmitt Dunstan, Griffin Dunstan, Kaine Dunstan, Blaine Frost, Devyn Frost, Whitley Frost, Harlee Harris, Abigail Pumphery, Avery Pumphery, Hayden Pumphery, Faith Reinert, Val Jean Reiter, Aaron Underwood and Allison Underwood.

Results for Prairie Shooters 4-H members are: Bradley Bledsoe-junior plant science judging contest, second. Haylee Bledsoe-junior plant science judging contest, third tie. Jayce Cady-senior plant science judging contest, first. Nelson Underwood-spontaneous speaking, blue. Claire Walker-intermediate instrumental solo, blue; junior plant science judging contest, third tie. Lily Walker-intermediate instrumental solo, blue; junior lifeskills judging contest, second; junior plant science judging contest, first tie. Club skit, OPS, participants - Bradley Bledsoe, Haylee Bledsoe, Jayce Cady, Jenna Cady, Jillyan Cady, Ashton Walker, Claire Walker, Lily Walker, Wyatt Walker, Isabelle Wilburn and Lucille Wilburn. 

Results for Webber Wide Awake 4-H members are: Haylee Fuller-intermediate illustrated talks, blue; junior plant science judging contest, third tie; junior photography judging contest, first. Myka Fuller-junior demonstration, blue; junior plant science judging contest, third tie. Gabriella Gunn-junior project talk, blue. Quartus Gunn-junior project talk, blue. Lenden Worm-senior demonstration, OPS.