2025 4-H Presentation Winners Announced for Carteret County
For many, the idea of public speaking is intimidating. But the process of preparing and delivering a presentation, especially in a supportive environment like 4-H, helps young people overcome that fear. Each successful presentation is a boost of confidence that empowers them to speak their mind and stand up for their ideas. This self-assurance extends beyond the stage, helping them in school, social situations, and future career opportunities.
In early spring, each year, Carteret County 4-H offers a Presentation Workshop Series for youth hoping to develop and improve their public speaking skills. These workshops help youth select a topic, brainstorm ideas and develop a speech based on research. The workshops also offer several opportunities for each youth to practice their presentation in front of their peers. This preparation leads to County Activity Day.
During County Activity Day, community volunteers are brought in to view the presentations and provide feedback to the youth. This feedback is used by the youth to improve their presentation and public speaking skills as they prepare for District Activity Day.
This year, District Activity Day was hosted by Carteret, Craven and Pamlico counties on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Wayne Community College. Over 160 youth from sixteen counties presented. Additionally, 16 of those youth performed in 4-H Entertains, a talent showcase. Six youth represented Carteret County 4-H very well at the event, each receiving gold medals for their presentations. One of our presenters also participated in 4-H Entertains where she received a blue ribbon for her performance. This qualified each of them to move on to the State competition in Raleigh. That competition was held Monday, July 21, 2025 at Enloe High School where over 350 youth from across North Carolina presented.
Our youth proudly represented our county again at the state competition and were again, very successful.
Ella Hill competed in the 8-10 year old Health and Fitness category with her presentation entitled, "Tourniquets." She received a Gold medal at the District competition and a Bronze medal at State Presentations.
Hobie Espinoza presented "Making Pickles with The Pickle Ninja" in the 8-10 year old Fruits and Vegetable Use category. He received Gold at both the District and State competition. This was Hobie's first time participating in presentations.
Cate-Hill Binkley presented "The Importance of AEDs in Public Places" in the 11-13 year old Safety category. She received a Gold medal at both the District and State competition.
Isla Espinoza competed in the 11-13 year old Agricultural Safety and Health category with her presentation entitled, "Angry Rooster Injury." She received Gold at the District competition and Silver at State Presentations. Isla also participated in 4-H Entertains during District Activity Day and was invited to perform during the Talent Showcase that was held during NC 4-H Congress in July at the McKimmon Conference and Training Center in Raleigh.
Catherine Paschall presented "How to Make Ramen Noodle Soup" in the 14-18 year old Foods and Nutrition category. She received Gold at the District level competition.
Miranda Stanley, a first time presenter, competed in the 14-18 year old Digital Reality category with her presentation entitled, "The Effects of A.I." She received a Gold medal at both the District and State competition.
Public speaking teaches youth how to organize their thoughts, articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively, and use non-verbal cues like body language and eye contact to connect with an audience. These skills are critical in every aspect of life, from classroom discussions to job interviews and professional interactions. 4-H competitions like these foster the development of these skills in supportive environments.
Your youth can take advantage of this same support through workshops offered by Carteret County 4-H. To see what's happening, you can find our calendar at go.ncsu.edu/cc4hcalendar or you can contact the Carteret County 4-H Office by calling 252-222-6375 or emailing coleman_killinger@ncsu.edu.
