Shawn Jackson
Contributor
Fourth-grade students who advanced from their classroom-level competitions pose for a group photo.
Lafayette County 4-H and the Lafayette County School District recently hosted its annual Speech Contest, powered by Florida Power & Light, celebrating youth voice, creativity and confidence. The contest began earlier this school year with all fourth- and fifth-grade students writing an original speech on a topic of their choice.
Students first presented their speeches in their classrooms, where judges evaluated each presentation and selected five finalists from each grade level. Those 10 students advanced to the county-level competition, held on the evening of Thursday, Feb. 19, in a school cafeteria filled with proud parents, family members, friends and supporters.
Fifth-grade students who advanced from classroom-level competitions gather for a photo following the event.
Each of the 10 finalists took the stage to present their speeches before a live audience and panel of judges. In recognition of their hard work and achievement, every finalist received a lanyard with a brass 4-H medallion. The top three speakers were additionally honored with glass trophies for their outstanding performances.
The winners of the Lafayette County 4-H School Speech Contest smile with their awards. Pictured, from left to right, are: Emilee Jackson, first place; Keelan Lamb, second place; and Karoline Beach, third place.
This year’s winners included first-place recipient Emilee Elizabeth Jackson, whose speech focused on why everyone should have a dog. Second place was awarded to Keelan Lamb for his enthusiastic speech about his love for pizza. Third place went to Karoline Beach, who shared her memorable experience visiting New York City.
Beyond the awards, the Lafayette County 4-H Speech Contest provides valuable learning opportunities that extend far beyond the stage. Participants develop essential life and workforce skills, including writing clearly, organizing thoughts, speaking confidently in front of others, and communicating ideas effectively. These experiences help build self-confidence, critical thinking and public speaking abilities, skills that will benefit youth in future careers, education and everyday life.
Through programs like this, Lafayette County 4-H continues to empower young people to find their voice and grow into capable, confident leaders within their community.