Polk County 4-H members once again participated in the annual district presentation competition, held in Cullowhee, N.C.
Presentations are used as a way of sharing information, teaching poise and gaining self-confidence. The 4-H’ers organize, prepare and present an illustrated talk, demonstration, speech or dramatic interpretation of their choosing.
The following youth participated this year: In the 9-10 age group, Luke Dyer spoke about the praying mantis and received a gold medal.
Phil Burney and Luke Umphlett competed in the 11-13 age group. Burney’s topic was magnetic levitation trains; he received a gold medal. Umphlett spoke on the history of tap and then gave a tap demonstration; he also received a gold.
Lastly, in the 14-18 age group, Larry Dyer presented on the history of Sparta and took home a gold medal; Alexa Hughes explained tech week in the theater, winning a silver; Alina Kolberg talked about environmental protection and placed for a gold and Samuel Umphlett spoke about tigers and took home a bronze.
Gold medal winners will advance to the state competition in Raleigh on July 17.
– article submitted by Helen Clark