McClain County 4-H youth took center stage Thursday, November 13 as they delivered powerful presentations at the annual McClain County 4-H Speech Contest, held at Blanchard Intermediate School.
The event brought together members from clubs across the county including Newcastle, allowing them to build public-speaking skills, share their passions, and gain confidence in front of a supportive audience.
Participants competed in a variety of categories based on age division and topic area, including Prepared Speech, Illustrated Presentation, Famous Person, and Extemporaneous.
Each contestant showcased hours of preparation, creativity, and dedication— hallmarks of the strong leadership development found in Oklahoma 4-H programs.
Parents, volunteers, judges, and community supporters filled the rooms, cheering on the 20 speakers as they faced one of America’s biggest fears — public speaking. Judges praised the youth for their poise, organization, and ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
Youth in each division will have the opportunity to advance to district or state-level contests later this year, continuing their 4-H journey and further developing lifelong skills.
Cloverbud Participants (Non-Competitive) Ty Gipson, Blanchard 4-H – Extemporaneous & Illustrated Presentation Barrett Beatty, Newcastle 4-H – Extemporaneous & Illustrated Presentation
Junior Division Illustrated Presentation 1st – Archer Beatty, Newcastle 4-H Extemporaneous 1st – Abigail Gipson, Blanchard 4-H 2nd – Archer Beatty, Newcastle 4-H
Intermediate Division Illustrated Presentation 1st – Cooper Beatty, Newcastle 4-H
2nd – Harper Perkins, Newcastle 4-H 3rd – Riley Gipson, Blanchard 4-H Famous Person
1st – Piper Terpening, Newcastle 4-H
Prepared Speeches
1st – Harper Perkins, Newcastle 4-H 2nd – Eden Christian, Washington 4-H Extemporaneous
1st – Harper Perkins, Newcastle 4-H 2nd – Piper Terpening, Newcastle 4-H 3rd – Norah Thayer, Washington 4-H 4th – Cooper Beatty, Newcastle 4-H 5th – Aniston Williams, Newcastle 4-H 6th – Riley Gipson, Blanchard 4-H
Senior Division Illustrated Presentation 1st – Trent Thayer, Washington 4-H 2nd – Estella Thayer, Washington 4-H
Prepared Speeches
1st – Lilly Christian, Washington
4-H
Extemporaneous
1st – EveLynne Thayer, Washington 4-H 2nd – Abigail Williams, Newcastle 4-H McClain County 4-H welcomes all youth who are interested in developing leadership, communication, and life skills. Enrollment is open to any young person in McClain County, with clubs available in communities throughout the area.
Whether members enjoy public speaking, livestock projects, STEM, community service, or hands-on learning, 4-H offers something for everyone. Families interested in joining are encouraged to contact the McClain County OSU Extension Office 405527-2174 to learn more about how to get involved.
McClain County OSU Extension and the 4-H program extend a special thank-you to Blanchard Intermediate School for hosting the event, as well as to the volunteers and judges who made the evening possible.
