Public speaking is an important skill that is losing to a very digital age of pre-recorded video for entertainment and knowledge. This year we had 7 school host contests during, which is the largest number of schools participating. The school level contest allowed student to compete against their classmates and winner qualified for the county contest. This spring 80 students from the 7 local schools held a communications contest for grades 4^th-12^th. Two winners from each division moved on to the Christian County 4-H county level contest where a new record of  26 youth participated. “I had a difficult time scoring these youth on their speeches, each worked very hard to preparing for the event and had to courage to stand in front of their family and peers to give their speech,” said one local judge.

On May 9, 2024 the W3/W4 Area Communication Contest in Madisonville, KY, eight youth presented their demonstrations and speeches from Christian County. Using their talent and speaking skills 7 of them will have the chance to represent our county at the Kentucky 4-H State Communications contest in July. These youth showed much talent and determination as they had continued to practice and own their presenting skills. Communication Contest continues to push youth to learn how to speak up and talk in front of others.