In an effort to move from the regional structure of the public speaking contests to our 2020 pilot of a merged state-level contest, an oversight occurred regarding the age-ranges we intend to engage at this event. As you know, we have established the minimum age for competitive in-person events beyond the county level to age 10 and above. This is consistent with PASE/Life Challenge and State Fair. We understand this is a change from the ages allowed at previous regional events and we apologize any confusion this may cause, but we believe this decision to be in alignment with a developmentally appropriate age for the educational experience we are striving to create.
As a result, participation in the 2020 Public Speaking Contest taking place in Lincoln on June 24, 2020, will be available only to Intermediate and Senior 4-H members. Following the contest, winners will be invited to showcase their speeches at the Nebraska State Fair. Currently, the public speaking age divisions are:
· Junior: 4-H Age 8-10
· Intermediate: 4-H Age 11-13
· Senior: 4-H Age 14-18
As a reminder, we are piloting this experience in 2020 and will review the experience at the end of the season. Thank you, in advance, for your understanding. Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you or your program.
Questions? Contact Maria at maria.walker@unl.edu.