Young 4-H speakers find their voice at District contest

By Lethbridge Herald on March 4, 2026.

Eleven-year-old Sophia Tabish placed first in the Juniors division with her presentation on democracy, and 13-year-old Nathan Mulder earned second place in the Intermedite category with his presentation on Chess. Both will advance to the regional round March 14 at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

By Joe Manio

Lethbridge Herald

On a Saturday morning at Lethbridge Polytechnic, while others were easing into their weekend, a group of young people stepped up to face a fear many adults never outgrow: public speaking. One by one, they approached the front of their assigned classrooms, laptops in hand and notes ready.

This past Saturday was the latest round of the local 4-H speech contest, where 51 members between the ages of nine and 19 delivered prepared speeches and presentations before judges, peers and family. 

Competitors took part in six categories — junior, intermediate and senior speeches, along with junior, intermediate and senior presentations — with the top two in each advancing to regionals. 

The range of topics was as broad as the club itself — from fishing tips, tie-dye techniques and summer vacation adventures to democracy, abstract math and farming.

Some newer speakers were visibly stiffer… voices catching in the opening lines and eyes fixed tightly on their notes — a natural sign of first-time nerves. More seasoned competitors appeared relaxed and confident; looking at the audience more than their notes.

Regardless of skill level or stage presence, every speaker saw it through to the end, and that’s the point. And for the organizers the competition is about far more than placing.

“Beyond the competition, 4-H communication events play a crucial role in building members’ public speaking skills and confidence,” said Clara Slomp, president of the district and secretary of the Turin 4-H Club.

“Through years of competing, observing other members and getting feedback from judges, members grow and learn. These competitions create confident, capable individuals for any future endeavours,” she says.

The program’s broader mission aligns with the four H’s — Head, Heart, Hands and Health — the pillars that guide 4-H learning. On Saturday, all four were on display.

In the junior division, 11-year-old Sophia Tabish captured first place with a presentation on democracy. She broke down a complex subject into clear, accessible ideas, explaining what democracy is, why it matters and how young people can participate.

For Sophia, the topic was personal.

“I wanted to do something big and special for me this year,” she said, noting it’s her final year as a junior before moving up to intermediate.

Looking ahead to regionals, she knows what the focus will be.

“Basically just more practice — memorizing it a little bit more and getting more comfortable.”

In the intermediate category, 13-year-old Nathan Mulder earned second place with a speech on chess. He outlined the strategy and discipline behind the game, describing how it builds patience and the ability to think ahead.

For Nathan, choosing a topic came naturally.

“I play quite a bit at school and at home, so I figured, why not do something that I know a lot about?” he said.

Nathan reached districts in his first year but didn’t place. This time, the outcome was different.

“This year, it’s great to have placed,” he said.

Like Sophia, he plans to focus on practice ahead of regionals.

What stands out most each year, Slomp said, is the transformation she witnesses from the front of the room.

“Watching them stand in front of an audience and speak with clarity and enthusiasm is truly inspiring. It is especially powerful to see how much growth takes place over time, as members who may have once been nervous develop strong presentation skills,” she said.

Winners advance to the regional round March 14 at Lethbridge Polytechnic, where they’ll compete against top speakers from other clubs.

Beyond the placings, the real takeaway was growth. Public speaking demands research, organization and the courage to stand alone at the front of a room. It requires young people to shape an idea into a clear message — and to steady their nerves long enough to deliver it.

For some, that growth showed in polished delivery. For others, it was in the small but meaningful victory of finishing strong. At the end of the day, each speaker walked away having done something brave.

The next stage will be bigger — not in size, but in stakes. The competition will be tougher; the nerves likely just as real.

But if Saturday proved anything, it’s that these young speakers are ready to rise to the occasion, one speech at a time.