4-H members were given the chance to take the stage at the Farming Smarter Conference in Lethbridge last week.

Southern Region 4-H Specialist, Ginny Smith, says members from their regional public speaking competition showed off their skills by delivering their speeches and presentations during the 4-H energy portion of the conference.

"This also gives the kids an opportunity when they're speaking here to learn about what it's like in the real world to speak in front of an audience, and see that public speaking skills are desired in all sorts of applications."

Sixteen-year-old member of the Lethbridge Coaldale 4-H Beef Club, Nyles Clark, gave his 4-H presentation on Rubik's Cubes.

Clark says, it was a little nerve-racking to be on stage in front of the large audience.

"I was a little nervous, but as soon as I got up there I was fine and I thought it went pretty smoothly."

They also raised over $8,000 for the Southern Alberta 4-H Region at the Farming Smarter Conference.

"There was a live auction to support the kids in 4-H and to help them better their careers that are inspired by 4-H", says Clark.

4-H volunteer, Clancy Holthe, says in addition to the live auction, they also raised funds through a silent auction.

"This is the only fundraiser that the South region has for regional events. It's very important that we keep getting money from it, because we try and keep our costs as minimal as we can for the members. We put on judging competitions and consumer decision making where the members don't have to pay for registration fees and they get fed at everything."

Ginny Smith says, involving the 4-H members in the conference started about eight years ago when one of the speakers wanted a young person to introduce him.

 

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