Hansen, Neesvig top county 4-H speakers

March marks the mid-year point for 4-H members. Although there are six months until fair, Sanders County 4-H members haven't been sitting back doing nothing. They have been busy honing their skills in public speaking.

First rounds of Communication Days took place the first weekend in March and strong presenters moved through the first round and qualified for finals. Last weekend, members who earned these top ratings once again presented their polished exhibitions at the final competition in Plains. After finalists presented, judges collaborated and gave top honors to senior member Cody Hansen, who demonstrated how to clean a carburetor; and junior member Hattie Neesvig, who gave a speech relaying information on different swine breeds.

Junior level members who were awarded the right to compete at finals include Melodie Cook who presented an illustrated talk on Entomology, Mikiah Cook (illustrated talk - The Sun), Brooklyn Crain and Marina Tulloch (partner demonstration - How to Make Slime), Shane Murray (demonstration – Guide to Playing Catcher), Hattie Neesvig (illustrated talk – Swine Breeds), Marley Neesvig (illustrated talk – Basketball Fouls), Theo Nygaard (demonstration – Robotics), Jody Page (demonstration – Basketball), Claire Wrobleski (demonstration – illuminated lettering) and Andrew Wrobleski (demonstration – Tomahawk Throwing).

Finalists at the senior level include Bethany Burk (demonstration – For the Love of Dance), Chloe French (demonstration – NRA Youth Education), Boston Goode (demonstration – 3D Modeling), Cody Hansen (demonstration – Carburetor Cleaning), Vanessa Horner (illustrated talk – Color Psychology), Sage Jackson (illustrated talk – Epidemic of Sex Trafficking), Coyle Nagy (demonstration – Snowboarding), Mackenzie Robinson (demonstration – Crafting), Aubrey Tulloch (demonstration - How to Give a Demonstration) and Martin Wrobleski (illustrated talk – Outdoor Cooking).

Sanders County 4-H members are required to participate in Communication Days, which generally occurs the first weekend of March. There are options for the type of speech they may present and also have free range to choose their own topics of discussion.