Spring of 2021 didn’t look much different from spring of 2020 as far as the challenges that were faced for Extension Agents and 4-H Staff working with schools and 4-Hers to deliver 4-H speeches because of COVID-19.  The approach taken in Clark County was to host a county contest that was promoted to all teachers in 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade.  The contest was set up over the course of 3 days, where participants could select a 20 minute time slot to arrive at the Extension Office, have their speech or demonstration filmed, and recordings sent to judges for virtual judging.  11 youth participated in the county communications contest.  Additionally, two teachers requested offering speeches with their students in school.   As a result of those requests, seven 6^th graders delivered in person speeches at the middle school and 23 4^th graders completed a classroom contest in their elementary school.   While this year’s 4-H Communications program was vastly different from that of the past, the impact was mighty.

The first of the portion of this year’s communication program was the 6^th grade in person speeches.  Following that day, the teacher that coordinated with 4-H staff sent this uplifting message: “The first child who gave his speech has had challenges speaking. Giving this speech was a BIG DEAL for him! He was so excited for the opportunity and I believe he will always remember this experience fondly. Thank you so much for that!” – Wendy

Following the 4^th grade classroom speech day, the following words of affirmation came in an email from the teacher who offered this to his class:   “Thank you again for doing this with my students.  Yesterday was unequivocally the most rewarding day I've had so far teaching this year.  I am so proud of their perseverance and courage to do their best and perform for the judges.  That moment when the judges left the room, I closed the classroom door, and we went wild and celebrated was cathartic.  It was like hitting a big shot at the end of a game (or some other sports metaphor, lol).  We screamed, high-fived, danced, and hugged.  At that point, we didn't know who got what color ribbon or what score they got, so it made it that much more authentic.  We were simply reveling in the joy of overcoming, together. Unfortunately, school can be a place where some kids may never feel that level of thrilling success and accomplishment ever again, so I can't say thank you enough for what this does for my students confidence and self-esteem.  I am not sure you hear this all that often, but your work and what you do every day is so important in the lives of our kids.  I am already looking forward to next year! Thank you!” - Matt

To top off the thrills of this year’s communication program, one of the recorded speech contestants in the Extension Office was a 9 year old, adopted Asian boy.  With the help of his notecards, he gave a very fluent 4:30 minute speech on Sharks.  As soon as he finished and the recording stopped, his mom cheered and said, “Shannon – you don’t know how HUGE this is.  He was non-verbal until he was 3 years old.  This is his first ever speech.  So many adults at our school have been working with him on this speech.  We have spent years towards this moment.” - Jill