Kaskaskia College Hosts University of Illinois 4-H Extension Program’s Annual Public Speaking Competition
March 14, 2025
Back row: KC Professor Nathan Wilkins, Kaolin Lewis (Marion), Claire Hahs (Marion), Mackenzie Hornbostel (Washington), Holleigh Hiller (Washington), Allison Hemker (Bond), Hunter Hemker (Bond), and KC Professor Brandi Wilkins Front row: Bailee Patten (Marion), Ella Douglas (Marion), Emma Morgason (Bond), Ashlyn Richards (Bond) and Ransom Detmer (Bond)
Kaskaskia College welcomed the University of Illinois 4-H Extension Program to campus on the evening of Thursday, March 6, 2025, for its annual public speaking competition. Young speakers from Bond, Marion, and Washington counties showcased their talents in categories including formal speech, illustrated speech, and oral interpretation. The event determined county delegates and alternates who will advance to the state competition in late April.
Judging this year's competition were Kaskaskia College Professor of Communication Brandi Wilkins and Professor of Office Systems Technology Nathan Wilkins, who lent their expertise in evaluating the impressive performances. The competition featured two divisions: the Beginner Division (ages 8 to 13) and the Advanced Division (ages 14 to 18). In the Beginner Division, Emma Morgason from Bond County took home the Overall Junior Division win, while in the Advanced Division, Ella Douglas from Marion County earned the Overall Senior Division win.
County Delegates Advancing to State include:
Bond County Delegates:
Emma Morgason, Ashlyn Richards, and Allison Hemker
Alternates: Ben Young, Ransom Detmer, and Hunter Hemker
Marion County Delegates: Ella Douglas, Bailee Patten, and Claire Hahs
Alternate: Kaolin Lewis
Washington County Delegates: Holleigh Hiller and Mackenzie Hornbostel
Kaskaskia College is honored to support programs that foster leadership, communication skills, and confidence in young speakers. For more information about Kaskaskia College's commitment to community engagement and educational opportunities, please visit www.kaskaskia.edu.
