Mackenzy Graziano poses as she prepares to deliver a speech on the topic of “Challenges Facing Agriculture Education” at the annual 4-H Presentation Day.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently held a two-day public presentation contest at Jamestown Community College.

Over the course of two days, 65 youth between the ages of 5 and 18 gave presentations on topics ranging from “The Wonderful Honeybee” and the “History of Lego” to “African Swine Fever.” Presentation styles included demonstration, illustrated talk, speech, dramatic interpretation and recitation.

The presentation contest is designed to challenge skills and knowledge of giving a public presentation while also recognizing their abilities.

Public speaking aligns with the state 4-H Youth Development values that promote the development of skills that help young people succeed in higher education, their chosen career path, and as members of their families and communities. This contest provides an opportunity for 4-H’ers to develop and practice communication skills, build self-confidence, enhance knowledge in a selected subject matter area, and share information with others. Teams of volunteer evaluators provide feedback to the youth. After each presentation youth meet with their evaluators to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation.

Youth selected to participate at the Western District Public Presentation Day contest at the Revive Wesleyan Church in Hamburg on Saturday include Abigail Carlberg, Anna Carlberg, Kendall Eckman, Hannah George, Mackenzy Graziano, Liam Griffith, Angel Heppner, Esther Knappenberger, Adam Lesch and Garrett Lesch with Madalyn Reading and Logan Ellsworth selected as alternates. Chautauqua County 4-H youth members have other opportunities to give presentations at their club and animal projects as well as at the 4-H Youth Building at the Chautauqua County Fair.