Describe the Issue or Situation.

Each year, Boone County 4-H holds a Communications Day for the youth to present speeches or demonstrations. This program helps the youth in the community with their leadership skills and is a prime example of progressive youth development.

On March 8, 2025, four 10-year olds and seven 11-year olds participated in Communications Day. Not only did this program give youth the opportunity to build confidence and challenge themselves, but it also allowed them to find and share their voice, develop communications skills, inspire change, stand out, and empower peers. 

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

Boone County youth who are enrolled in 4-H participated in this program. Community members who helped judge the contest or assisted with the event in some way included two 4-H adult volunteers, a retired librarian from Boone County Public Libraries, former 4-H members, a Trimble County Agriculture agent, and someone who is a member of the Boone County extension homemakers association.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

The targeted audience was youth aged 9-18 years old enrolled in Boone County 4-H. There were eleven participants (eight girls and three boys) who registered and competed in the event. Eight of the participants were White, Non-Hispanic, one was Hispanic, and two were of Asian decent.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

Short-term Outcomes: Youth who attended the 2025 Boone County 4-H Communications Day held on March 8, 2025 were given the opportunity to present their speeches in front of judges. Topics of their speeches ranged from James Madison, Daniel Boone, Mercy Otis Warren, Sam Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Amelia Earhart, Paul Revere, to speeches on archery and basketball. 

Participants who had a score of 80-100 received a blue Danish ribbon, those who scored 60-79 received a red Danish ribbon, and those who scored 59 or below received a white Danish ribbon. Overall, there were nine blue Danish ribbons and two red Danish ribbons that were distributed at the end of the competition. Since there were only two different age groups who competed (10 and 11-year olds) there were 2 winners from the event who moved on to compete at the C7/C8 Regional Communications Day event held in Carroll County on April 26, 2025.  

Intermediate-term Outcomes: If either of the two winners from Boone County win at the regional Communications Day event held Carroll County, they will move on to compete at the state Communications Day event held at a later date in another Kentucky county.