Issue or Situation: The 4-H Country Ham Project in Pendleton County faced challenges in providing youth with the necessary guidance to fully develop their skills in speech writing and presentation. Though the program consistently met the 6-hour education requirement, there was a need to go beyond the basics to ensure participants were competitive at the state level. In particular, enhancing public speaking skills and integrating more engaging visual aids for senior members became a focus to elevate the overall quality of the project.

Educational Program Response: In response, the program was restructured to offer more individualized attention to participants. This approach included one-on-one coaching for youth to refine their speeches, allowing for deeper focus on content, delivery, and confidence-building. Senior participants were encouraged and assisted in incorporating creative visual aids into their presentations, which not only enriched their speeches but also helped them stand out in a competitive environment. The program exceeded the traditional 6-hour educational requirement, ensuring participants were thoroughly prepared for both the ham-curing and public speaking aspects of the project. A final banquet, attended by over 80 guests, celebrated the achievements of the participants and raised over $10,000 to support next year’s program.

Participants: This year’s program had 17 youth participants, ranging from first-time competitors to experienced seniors. The group represented a broad spectrum of ages and abilities, with a shared enthusiasm for learning about the art of country ham curing and public speaking. Highlights from the group include 2005-2006 Reserve Champion Ham, 3rd place overall combined points for Speech & Ham, 2008 Reserve Champion Ham, Grand Champion overall combined points for Speech & Ham, 2011 Reserve Champion Speech, 2012 Grand Champion Ham, 2013 Reserve Champion overall combined points for Speech & Ham.

Outcomes and Program Impact: The impact of the 2024 program was evident in both personal and community growth. By expanding the educational opportunities and offering more personalized mentorship, participants showed notable improvements in their public speaking skills and understanding of the country ham curing process. Many participants received state-level recognition. Additionally, the program’s influence extended beyond the individual youth; the fundraising banquet raised over $10,000, ensuring the sustainability of future projects. This community support highlights the deep-rooted value of the 4-H program in Pendleton County, fostering both leadership and agricultural knowledge in its youth.

The success of the restructured program demonstrated how a tailored, hands-on approach can significantly enhance educational outcomes, with Pendleton County continuing to produce more state champions and confident, capable youth.