Communication is an essential skill for the youth of the next generation. How many times do we hear the older generation mention that they don’t know how the next generation is going to communicate with each other. There are several different forms of communication that the younger generation utilize: text message, email, social media, phone calls, and more. It is important for their success in a future career that youth feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience.

Through collaboration with Mrs. Morgan Mayer, the Communications teacher at Foster Heights Elementary School, Nelson County 4-H was able to have this opportunity presented for the students. All the 4^th and 5^th grade classes were going to take on this project. Each student listened to an introductory presentation on the 4-H demonstration project. In the intro lesson the importance of communication was shown through an ice breaker and a sample demonstration of how to set the table was done. In Mrs. Mayer’s classroom the students then worked to narrow down their topics, complete their research, gather materials, and prepare their tri-fold presentation boards. Once complete, the 229 students presented their 4-H demonstration projects to a group of community judges.

We are grateful for the 20+ community judges that took time out of their busy schedules to listen and score their presentations. This partnership with Foster Heights Elementary School also increased participation in the Nelson County 4-H Communications Contest. 9 of the students decided they wanted to keep practicing their communications skills and present at the county contest.