4-H PRESENTATIONS (May - July)

Presentation competition is a formal public speaking contest for youth ages 9-18 (age determined as of January 1 of the program year). A presentation is more than just a speech. Youth do not just speak about their topic; they also make posters and use props to demonstrate for their audience.

There are many different categories that youth can select to speak about, with subjects ranging from dairy foods to electricity. When children select a topic that doesn't fall within one of the contest categories, they compete in the open category.

Competition in each category is held in three age groups: 9-10, 11-13, and 14-18 (age determined as of January 1 of the program year). There are four levels of competition: district, state, and in some categories, national.

County Competition

To participate, youth select a topic and register with the 4-H staff. Children can receive a registration form by contacting the Extension Office at 697-4891, M-F 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Youth research their topic, write their speech, prepare their posters and props, and practice their presentation prior to county competition, which is held during 4-H County Activity Day in May or June.

Children and their parents/guardians can attend Presentation Training to learn how to prepare a presentation and to see some sample presentations. Youth can also receive one-on-one assitance from 4-H staff and volunteers as they prepare their presentation.

Once youth have prepared their presentation, they can attend 4-H Presentation Coaching Sessions to help them improve their skills in delivering their presentation to an audience.

Thanks to Kiwanis of Hendersonville for sponsoring the Presentation Program in Henderson County 4-H. 

County Level Awards:

Each presentation is judged individually with a presentation receiving a blue ribbon (excellent), red ribbon (good) or white ribbon (fair) rating.

In addition, the best blue ribbon presentation in each age division and category is named County Champion. Youth who are named County Champions receive $15 in 4-H Fun Bucks. A presentation must receive a blue ribbon rating to be named a County Champion. In categories that do not have a blue ribbon presentation, no County Champion will be named.

County Champions receive the opportunity to represent Henderson County in district competition during District Activity Day.

District Competition

County Champions compete in district 4-H presentation competition at an event called 4-H District Activity Day. Presenters will compete with youth from the Western District in their same age division and category. The West District is made up of youth from a 15-county region that runs from Watauga County to Cherokee County.

District Level Awards

At the district level, gold, silver and bronze medallists are selected for each category in each age division.

Youth who are named District Gold Medallists receive $25 in 4-H Fun Bucks from Henderson County 4-H. In addition, in some categories the state provides scholarships toward the registration fee to attend State 4-H Congress. (Request a copy of the current Award's Handbook or contact 4-H staff for scholarship information for each category and age division.)

State Competition

Youth 9-18 who are selected as gold medallists at District Activity Day get to compete in state competition at NC 4-H Congress. (Youth 11-18 who are named district silver medallists are allowed to compete in state presentation competition too; however they do not receive a state scholarship toward the registration fee).

North Carolina 4-H Congress is a one-week event that includes lots of different state level activities and contests. It is held at North Carolina State University in July. Presentation competition is held on Tuesday of NC 4-H Congress.

District gold medallists ages 12 and under attend NC 4-H Congress as part-time delegates (Monday - Wednesday). Youth 13 and older stay for the entire week (Monday - Friday).

All delegates are transported to Raleigh and chaperoned by Extension Staff members and parent volunteers.

State Level Awards

At the state level, gold, silver and bronze winners are selected in each category for each age division. Awards vary among categories (request a copy of the Award's Handbook), but gold medal state winners typically receive a savings bond ranging in value from $50 - $75.

National Competition

In a few categories, older youth (generally 15 and older) have the opportunity to compete in a national level contest. These contests are not specifically 4-H contests and may have contestants from FFA, Grange and other youth groups participating in them in addition to 4-H members. State Extension Specialists coordinate national level trips and supervise the delegates.

• Artistic Arrangement
• Chicken Barbecue
• Egg Cookery
• Fruit & Vegetable Use
• Horse
• Horse Public Speaking
• Horticulture
• Production/Marketing
• Landscaping
• Peanut Foods
• Turkey Barbecue

To participate in most national trips, the member must be at least 15 years old (Request a current copy of the Award?s Handbook).

State funded scholarships are available to assist with the cost for national level trips; the scholarships amounts vary by category. In areas without full sponsorship for the registration fee of the national contest, Henderson County 4-H will provide up to $100 toward the cost of the national trip.