Sanders County 4H picks finalists for demonstrations

THOMPSON FALLS – The 4H demonstrations kicked off in full swing on Saturday morning at the Thompson Falls High School with a full day of presentations.

Fifty-six participants filled the school, demonstrating on a variety of different topics, from how to handle a bearded dragon to how to be a good leader.

MSU Extension agent, Meghan Phillippi, explained that the demonstrations are a good, safe introduction to public speaking, which helps the kids build skills that will be helpful to them in the future.

“It’s a nice, safe environment to begin that public speaking introduction,” said Phillippi. “We encourage them to pick a topic that they are comfortable with and enjoy.”

Although a safe environment is provided for the demonstrators, nerves ran high for many first time demonstrators, as they anxiously awaited their presentations.

With time and practice, the nervousness can be eliminated as seen by some of the second and third year demonstrators, who seemed more confident about their demonstrations.

Phillippi stated that when talking to alumni, the demonstrations are often listed as the most valuable experience during their 4H time.

Thirteen volunteer judges from around the community took part in the event, evaluating the 4H kids on their introduction, the body and the summary of the demonstration. The judges focused on accuracy, practicality and the visuals, which were required for the demonstration.

As for the presentation part of it, the judges looked at posture, friendliness, pronunciation, and the demonstrator’s apparel among other things.

Hot Springs also held demonstrations on Sunday, with 12 volunteer judges taking part in the event.

Finalists for the demonstrations are as follows: For the Trout Creek Mavericks - Melaina Goodman, Reagan Hanks and Vanessa Horner; For the Whitepine Happy Workers - Ryan Battles, Tyler Battles, Faith Frields, Logan Naegeli, and Gabriella Pallister; For the Thompson Falls Mountaineers - Isabelle Burky, Abigail Croft, Sean Ribeiro, Shannon Saint, Anna Snell and Emily Snell; For the South Side Sparks - Tanna Cole, Aaron Collins, Anna Dryden, Mary Dryden, Katrina Hagerman, Corle Morefield, Mahala Sweet, Marsada Sweet, Rachel Worral, Martin Wrobleski, and Rachel Wrobleski; For the Hot Springs Wranglers - Morgan Legard, Elena McAllister, and Jack McAllister; For the Little Bitterroot - Josey Carr, Alyssa Foster, Lane Foster, Laurel Schmiedbauer and Meara Schmiedbauer.

All finalists will demonstrate at 1 p.m. on March 17 at the Plains High School.