By Matthew McClellan

Rowan County 4-H agent

It’s time to congratulate some of our county 4-Hers and recognize some of the amazing work they are doing.

Rowan County 4-H Activity Night was held April 25 at the 4-H office. Participants entered presentations, arts and crafts, and photographs for judging.

Being able to present and talk in public is a big part of the 4-H program, and these youths did a phenomenal job. The competition is secondary to the skills that they develop for their presentations.

The presentation contest is N.C. 4-H’s primary state competition. Youths choose from a variety of topics, from auto racing to char-grilling techniques and everything in between.

Winners at the county level can go to the district competition and then the statewide contest held each July at N.C. State University.

Rowan County had 11 presentation and public-speaking entries at County Activity Night on topics ranging from aquarium set-up to biographical talks. All of the participants qualified for the district contest, which will be in June in Taylorsville.

There was one Cloverbud-aged youth (ages 5-8) to present. Cloverbuds are not judged competitively but are given observations to help them improve their public speaking skills. Mary Draper was the lone participant in this age category and presented on how to lead a horse.

In the junior division (ages 9-10), there were two participants. Emily Gobble did a small companion animal presentation about dogs. Madisyn White gave a prepared speech about Harriet Tubman.

The intermediate division had four participants. Jaysa Causby did a presentation about pasofino horses. Christian Stebe did a presentation about beekeeping. Nathan Gobble did a presentation about wildlife management. Abby Fisher presented a biographical talk on Anne Frank.

The oldest division (ages 14-18) also had four participants. Sam Oster presented on peanuts and peanut allergies. Micah Furr presented on the uses of miniature horses as service animals. Hannah Barringer presented on freshwater aquarium set-up. Nicole Lackey presented on hunting and exploring Lake Mattamuskeet.

All of the youths received critiques that will hopefully help them develop their presentation skills for further competition.

This is just one of the many opportunities afforded youth in the 4-H program to gain and develop leadership and life skills that will serve them as they become adults.

If you’d like to get involved in the 4-H program or have questions about the program, call 704-216-8970.