Does the thought of speaking in front of large groups make you nervous? Do you want to learn how to be a better speaker, overcome fear of crowds, and improve your presentation skills? Hemphill County 4-H’ers who competed in the District 1 4-H Educational Presentations held in spring learned how to prepare with research, organization, and then present on any given topic.

In the senior division, Alex Smith advanced to the state 4-H Roundup in June with a first-place presentation on Animal Science. Gage Gerhardt had a presentation on Health and Wellness. In the intermediate division, Carson Smith placed first in Animal Science,and Ashley Perry placed second in Open Ag and Natural Resources.

The Fashion and Interiors Storyboard contest is an industry-inspired method of displaying original designs. The best storyboards create vivid visual images that are interesting and appealing to viewers. The storyboard “tells the story” of the designer’s idea. The storyboard includes original illustrations and flats, as well as additional materials (such as photos from the internet or magazines, paper, fabric swatches, patterns, etc.) that have influenced the unique design. The purpose of the Fashion Storyboard contest is to give 4-H members an opportunity to create a storyboard of their original design. It also provides the members an opportunity to gain knowledge of the career responsibilities of a fashion designer and illustrator, enhance creativity and originality, and develop visual communication skills.

Seniors advancing to the state 4-H Roundup were: Savanna Innis in Wearable, third place; Kaylee Skates in Pet Clothing, third; Ashlynn Phillips in Jewelry, first; and Carleigh Thompson in Accessory, third. Other 4-H’ers participating in the senior division were Dissy Vargas and Paige Perry. Competing in the intermediate division were Emily Green, Pet Clothing, first place; Ashley Perry, Jewelry, second; and Lilly Bradford, Pet Clothing, second. Junior-division participants were: Ellsie Messner, Wearable, second; and Mirabelle Brown, Pet Clothing, second.