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HARTINGTON - There were 14 4-H members awarded ribbons at the 2026 Cedar County 4-H Public Speaking Contest held April 6 at the Har - tington Public Library. Participants were able to present a speech and/or a recorded PSA and/or multimedia video.
Speeches were presented in five speech divisions: Clover Kid, Novice, Junior, Intermediate, and Impromptu. Clover Kids, youth ages 5-7, participate in a non-competitive fashion by reciting a poem, chant, read or tell a short story and receive a rainbow ribbon. Participants in the Clover Kid Division included: Levi Mann, son of Kayla and Austin Mann, Hartington, delivered "The Pledge of Allegiance"; Ellie Kathol, daughter of Katrina and Tyler Kathol, Hartington, recited the prayer "Hail Mary"; Kella Koch, daughter of Mal - lorie and Chad Koch, Laurel, read an original poem she wrote called "Little Sally, Little Lally; Scarlett Feilmeier, daughter of Kaci and Dave Feilmeier, Hartington, recited the poem "Our Magic Toilet," by Kenn Nesbitt; Ella Heine, daughter of Lyndsey and Greg Heine, narrated the book "Go, Dog. Go!" By P.D. Eastman; and Rylee Mann, daughter of Kayla and Austin Mann, Hartington, read the book "Let's Go to the Nebraska State Fair," from local author's Heidi Lewon and Jackie Steen.
In the Novice Speech Division, youth ages 8-11, who have never competed in the 4-H speech contest except as a Clover Kid, may recite a poem, read, or tell a story. Annastyn Hall, daughter of Angie and Jay Hall, Laurel, received a blue ribbon for her speech entitled "Horses;" Nora Pinkelman, daughter of Tyler and Adisa Pinkelman, Laurel, acquired a blue ribbon for reading the book "Butterflies;" and Levi Dendinger, son of Shawna and Jacob Dendinger, Hartington, composed and read his original story "We LoseĀ Beavers Win." He earned a blue ribbon and the Novice Speech Champion medal.
In the Junior Speech Division, youth ages 8-10 write an original speech 1-3 minutes long about an aspect of 4-H. Abigail Beckman, daughter of Sierra and Ben Beckman, Hartington, secured a purple ribbon and the Ju - nior Speech Champion Medal for her speech "4-H from Scared to Brave." In the Intermediate Speech Division, youth ages 11-13 write an original speech 3-5 minutes in length that includes 4-H as the major component of the speech. Levi Steen, son of Jackie and Brad Steen, Hartington, col - lected a purple ribbon for his speech entitled "More Than Just a Scooter." Elle White, daughter of Laura and Anthony White, Laurel, accepted a purple ribbon and the Intermediate Speech Champion Medal for her speech entitled "Pollinators." An Impromptu Speech Division challenges youth to write and pres - ent a speech around a 4H-related topic that they randomly select at the competition and then are given 15 minutes to develop and prepare for their presentation. Emma Hoch - stein, daughter of Kari and Je Hochstein, Hartington, obtained a red ribbon for her topic "What Skills have your 4-H projects taught you?" Clara Wuebben, daughter of Anne and Craig Wuebben, Fordyce, received a blue ribbon and the Im - promptu Speech Champion Medal for her speech on the topic she selected, "What are the benefits I've received from 4-H?" 4-H members were also able to participate in a Radio Public Service Announcement category in which they recorded a 60-second radio spot promoting 4-H and using the theme "Ready Today, Leading Tomor - row." Clara Wuebben participated in the PSA Division and was presented with a purple ribbon and Overall Champion PSA Medal.
Clara Wuebben also participated in a Video Communication category in which she created a 60 to 90-second multi-media video around the theme "Ready Today, Leading Tomorrow." Clara obtained a purple ribbon and the Overall Champion Video Communication Medal.
Clara Wuebben, Elle White, Levi Steen and Abby Beckman were selected to represent Cedar County at the Nebraska 4-H Premier Com - munications Event. They will have an opportunity to compete in their respective categories June 16 and 17 at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, East Campus.
Public speaking contests help youth develop skills for communicat - ing with audiences, learn how to organize and prepare a speech, develop speech delivery skills, learn how to present themselves to others, and develop self-confidence. This year's judges were Sarah Beckwith and Jenni Bartling who pro - vided comments and encouragement to all the participants. The Public Speaking Contest medals were sponsored by Bank of Hartington, Cedar Security Bank, Citizens State Bank, Farm Credit Services of American/ Yankton, Farmers and Merchants State Bank, First State Bank of Ran -
dolph and Security Bank.
