Garrett Lesch poses as he prepares to deliver a dramatic presentation of Paul Harvey at the annual 4-H Western District Presentation Day in Hamburg.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s 4-H Youth Development Program recently held a two-day Public Presentation contest at Jamestown Community College on Feb. 26 and March 5.

Over 30 youth ages 5-18 stepped up to the challenge and gave presentations on topics ranging from The Pony Express and BMX Racing to the life of P.T. Barnum. Presentation styles included demonstration, illustrated talk, speech, dramatic interpretation, and recitation.

Public speaking aligns with the New York 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. Teams of volunteer evaluators evaluate youth. After each presentation youth meet with their evaluators and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their presentation.

Youth who gave exceptional presentations were selected to participate at the Western District Public Presentation Day contest held at the Revive Wesleyan Church in Hamburg on March 26. This year Mackenzy Graziano, Garrett Lesch and Grace Meyer were selected to participate at the Western District level with Abigail Carlberg and Tyler Crowell serving as alternates. All youth representing Chautauqua County received gold awards, the highest award for presenters. Mackenzy Graziano was one of three 4-Hers in the District to get a perfect score on her illustrated talk! All three youth are eligible to move onto experiences and competitions with other 4-Hers from the state who have also excelled in public speaking.

Youth 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.