Youth from across Illinois participated in the Illinois 4-H State Public Speaking Contest on April 25 at Parkland College in Champaign. The event brought together top youth speakers who advanced through county-level competitions to compete at the state level.
The contest highlights the importance of developing communication skills and confidence among young people. Participants organized ideas, delivered speeches, and presented before live audiences while receiving feedback from judges and peers.
“Public speaking is one of the most valuable skills young people can develop,” said Cindy Ogwal, University of Illinois Extension 4-H youth development specialist. “Through experiences like this, youth build confidence, learn to organize their thoughts, and gain the ability to clearly communicate ideas that matter.”
The competition included four divisions: formal speech, illustrated speech, original works, and oral interpretation. Youth competed in beginner (ages 8–13) and advanced (ages 14 and older) categories as individuals or teams. The Inspire Award recognized speeches with unique messages or impact. Winners were named in each division across counties including McDonough, Madison, Champaign, Shelby, St. Clair, Fulton, Kendall, Stephenson, Grundy, Lake, Calhoun, Effingham, Rock Island County and more.
Ogwal said about participants: “What stood out most was the authenticity and courage these youth brought to the stage. They’re not just practicing speeches—they’re finding their voice, sharing their perspectives, and developing leadership skills that will serve them well into the future.”
According to the official website, University of Illinois Extension benefits from volunteers who contribute more than $15 million in resources annually. The organization also enhances cultural and social well-being by fostering health equity and community resilience through its initiatives according to its official website. Facilities such as the Christopher Extension Center on the Urbana-Champaign campus are utilized for programs according to its official website.
University of Illinois Extension is affiliated with the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as part of a national land-grant university system according to its official website. Its educational programs focus on promoting resilient communities; economic prosperity; natural resource sustainability; food safety; health equity; partnerships; technology integration; and workforce excellence according to its official website.
The organization features an “Extension Worker’s Creed,” which underscores core values such as belief in people—education—and democratic principles according to its official website.
