Franklin County 4-H Announces Winners in Annual Public Speaking Contest

FRANKLIN COUNTY, TN - Franklin County 4-H recently hosted its annual County 4-H Public Speaking Contest, highlighting the communication skills and confidence of local students from across the county.

Over the past two months, approximately 2,900 Franklin County 4-H members delivered speeches in their classrooms as part of the program’s preliminary rounds. To advance to the county-level contest, participants were required to earn a blue ribbon in their classroom competition. From that large field, 122 students qualified and competed at the county contest, representing schools throughout Franklin County.

The contest recognizes excellence in public speaking, organization, and presentation, while helping students develop skills that will benefit them academically and professionally. According to the UT Extension Office–Franklin County, the event continues to grow each year and remains one of the signature educational experiences offered through the local 4-H program.

Top honors were awarded across multiple grade levels. In the ninth-grade division, first-place winners were Eden Kilgore and Cameron Dyer, both students at Franklin County High School. The tenth-grade category also saw strong performances, with Mehak Patel and Victoria Nelson, both of Franklin County High School, earning first-place recognition.

In the eleventh-grade division, Calli Alonso and Harrison Crenshaw, also from Franklin County High School, captured first-place honors. Rounding out the competition, the twelfth-grade division first-place winners were Khiya Porter and Wil Myers, both representing Franklin County High School.

UT Extension officials praised students for dedication, saying public speaking builds leadership and confidence. The Franklin County 4-H program continues to provide meaningful opportunities for youth development through hands-on learning, competitions, and community engagement. Organizers said they are proud of all participants and confident that the skills gained through 4-H will serve these students well in the future.

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