On May 5, 2025, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chambers echoed with the confident voices of local sixth graders as they took center stage in the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Competition. Sponsored by Florida Power and Light (FPL), this countywide event celebrated the hard work and courage of young speakers from schools across [&#8230;]

<h3>On May 5, 2025, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chambers echoed with the confident voices of local sixth graders as they took center stage in the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Competition. Sponsored by Florida Power and Light (FPL), this countywide event celebrated the hard work and courage of young speakers from schools across Seminole County.</h3>
<p>After a year of preparation and practice, five outstanding finalists took the stage to deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking speeches. Their topics offered personal insights and meaningful reflections.</p>
<ul>
<li>Sunaeya A. “The Role of Being the Oldest” – The Master’s Academy<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2025/05/10/young-voices-shine-in-seminole-countys-2025-4-h-public-speaking-powered-by-fpl-competition/dsc03412/" rel="attachment wp-att-5167"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-5167 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Picture of county five county 4-H Public Speaking winners. All are female standing in the front of the Board of County Commissioners Chamber" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/files/2025/05/DSC03412-300x200.jpg"></a></li>
<li>Kiersten G., “The Flow State” – Jackson Heights Middle School</li>
<li>Scarlette I., “Half Day” – Holy Cross Lutheran Academy</li>
<li>Mila K., “Speaking Two Languages” – Lawton Chiles Middle School</li>
<li>Kamila R. “How God Helped Me with My Mental Health” – All Souls Catholic School</li>
</ul>
<h3>Congratulations to our 2025 winners:</h3>
<p>1st Place – Mila K.<br />
2nd Place – Kiersten G.<br />
3rd Place – Kamila R.</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2025/05/10/young-voices-shine-in-seminole-countys-2025-4-h-public-speaking-powered-by-fpl-competition/dsc03400/" rel="attachment wp-att-5169"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5169 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/files/2025/05/DSC03400-300x200.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2025/05/10/young-voices-shine-in-seminole-countys-2025-4-h-public-speaking-powered-by-fpl-competition/dsc03385/" rel="attachment wp-att-5171"><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5171 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/files/2025/05/DSC03385-300x200.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/2025/05/10/young-voices-shine-in-seminole-countys-2025-4-h-public-speaking-powered-by-fpl-competition/dsc03333/" rel="attachment wp-att-5173"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5173 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/files/2025/05/DSC03333-300x200.jpg"></a></p>
<h3>Judges and Supporters</h3>
<p>Judges Dorothy Mowbray, Communications Consultant, and Brenda Urías, Sanford Toursand Experiences and Owner &amp; Director, Marketing &amp; Community Relations of Bicikleta Bicycle Shop, had the challenging task of choosing winners from such a strong group of presenters.</p>
<p>For over 40 years, this public speaking program gives sixth-grade students the opportunity to research, write, and present speeches on topics they’re enthusiastic about. With guidance from their teachers and support from school administrator, thousands of students participate each year, building confidence, communication skills, and a love for learning along the way.</p>
<p>Over the years, more than one million Seminole County sixth graders have stepped up to the microphone through this program—an incredible milestone!</p>
<p>Special thanks go to Florida Power and Light, Seminole County Government, the University of Florida, the Florida 4-H Foundation, and SGTV for their continued support of the 4-H Public Speaking Program. Their partnership plays a vital role in providing youth with meaningful opportunities to develop communication skills, build confidence, and engage with their communities in impactful ways.</p>
<p>The 4-H Public Speaking program is just one of many ways 4-H helps youth explore their interests and grow as leaders. From gardening to STEM to leadership development, Seminole County 4-H offers hands-on learning experiences for youth ages 5–18. To learn more about how your child can get involved in 4-H programs, visit <a href="http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/4-H">www.seminolecountyfl.gov/4-H</a></p>
<h6>photo credit: Shawna Welter, Seminole County Public Communications Coordinator</h6>


On May 5, 2025, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chambers echoed with the confident voices of local sixth graders as they took center stage in the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Competition. Sponsored by Florida Power and Light (FPL), this countywide event celebrated the hard work and courage of young speakers from schools across Seminole County.
After a year of preparation and practice, five outstanding finalists took the stage to deliver heartfelt and thought-provoking speeches. Their topics offered personal insights and meaningful reflections.
Sunaeya A. “The Role of Being the Oldest” – The Master’s Academy
Kiersten G., “The Flow State” – Jackson Heights Middle School
Scarlette I., “Half Day” – Holy Cross Lutheran Academy
Mila K., “Speaking Two Languages” – Lawton Chiles Middle School
Kamila R. “How God Helped Me with My Mental Health” – All Souls Catholic School
Congratulations to our 2025 winners:
1st Place – Mila K.

Judges and Supporters
Judges Dorothy Mowbray, Communications Consultant, and Brenda Urías, Sanford Toursand Experiences and Owner & Director, Marketing & Community Relations of Bicikleta Bicycle Shop, had the challenging task of choosing winners from such a strong group of presenters.
For over 40 years, this public speaking program gives sixth-grade students the opportunity to research, write, and present speeches on topics they’re enthusiastic about. With guidance from their teachers and support from school administrator, thousands of students participate each year, building confidence, communication skills, and a love for learning along the way.
Over the years, more than one million Seminole County sixth graders have stepped up to the microphone through this program—an incredible milestone!
Special thanks go to Florida Power and Light, Seminole County Government, the University of Florida, the Florida 4-H Foundation, and SGTV for their continued support of the 4-H Public Speaking Program. Their partnership plays a vital role in providing youth with meaningful opportunities to develop communication skills, build confidence, and engage with their communities in impactful ways.
The 4-H Public Speaking program is just one of many ways 4-H helps youth explore their interests and grow as leaders. From gardening to STEM to leadership development, Seminole County 4-H offers hands-on learning experiences for youth ages 5–18. To learn more about how your child can get involved in 4-H programs, visit www.seminolecountyfl.gov/4-H
photo credit: Shawna Welter, Seminole County Public Communications Coordinator

On May 5, 2025, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners Chambers echoed with the confident voices of local sixth graders as they took center stage in the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Competition. Sponsored by Florida Power and Light (FPL), this countywide event celebrated the hard work and courage of young speakers from schools across […]

Young Voices Shine in Seminole County’s 2025 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Competition

From Practice to Poultry Perfection Wakulla 4-H hosted the annual Poultry Perfection Workshop on Saturday, March 1.  Youth from Wakulla, Gulf, Jefferson, and Gadsden counties spent the morning demonstrating their poultry science knowledge and showmanship skills at the Wakulla County Extension office. Youth learned how to handle birds for the upcoming district poultry show scheduled [&#8230;]

<h4>From Practice to Poultry Perfection</h4>
<figure id="attachment_32939" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32939" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-32939 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="4-H Agent coaches youth on poultry showmanship." width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/wakullaco/files/2025/03/4H-agent-coaches-youth-on-showmanship-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32939" class="wp-caption-text">4-H agent Rachel Pienta works with youth to develop skills in poultry showmanship.</figcaption></figure>
<p>Wakulla 4-H hosted the annual Poultry Perfection Workshop on Saturday, March 1.  Youth from Wakulla, Gulf, Jefferson, and Gadsden counties spent the morning demonstrating their poultry science knowledge and showmanship skills at the Wakulla County Extension office. Youth learned how to handle birds for the upcoming district poultry show scheduled March 29, 2025 at the Extension facility in Washington County, Florida. Each youth practiced show skills by demonstrating their knowledge of poultry breeds and anatomy with their individual show bird and completed a poultry science skill-a-thon.</p>
<p>Youth who participate in the District Show are required to submit a project book that documents how they raised their show bird.  Show participants demonstrate their poultry knowledge in a live judging format as well as in a skill-a-thon. Youth who progress through the age levels of the 4-H program can compete in a demonstration or illustrated talk session about their poultry projects. Projects include topics such as building poultry-based businesses that demonstrate how young people can apply entrepreneurial skills to start a business and generate a profit.</p>
<h4>Chick Chain Project</h4>
<p>Preparation for the District show begins months before, in September of the prior year. Each fall, members of Wakulla 4-H begin raising chicks as participants in the UF IFAS NW District 4-H Chick Chain Program. From September to March, youth ages 5 to 18 choose one or more chicken breeds that will be raised from newly hatched chicks to mature chickens.  At monthly club meetings youth learn how to feed and care for their birds, including how to maintain flock biosecurity. Youth learn how to recognize different bird breeds, chicken market cuts, anatomy, as well as egg candling and grading.  To learn more about this annual poultry project, visit this website: <a href="https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/4-h-poultry-project/home">https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/4-h-poultry-project/home</a>. The next Chick Chain will begin in September!</p>
<figure id="attachment_32941" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32941" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-32941 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Adult sits at table to teach poultry science. " width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/wakullaco/files/2025/03/program-assistant-Christy-Pearson-teaches-poultry-science-at-a-skillathon-station-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32941" class="wp-caption-text">4-H Program Assistant Christy Pearson taught at one of the poultry science knowledge demonstration stations during a recent poultry workshop.</figcaption></figure>
<h4>Biosecurity and Flock Protection</h4>
<p>Youth enrolled in the Chick Chain project learn how to keep their flock safe from threats that include predators and avian disease. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides guidelines on flock defense to maintain bird health: <a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock</a>.  Bird flu is caused by the avian influenza virus and can affect all types of birds, including chickens, ducks, turkey. There are two main types: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), which is milder, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe illness and death in poultry (Stonecipher, 2025).</p>
<p>Five Tips to Protect Your Flock</p>
<ol>
<li>Limit Exposure to Wild Birds: Keep your flock in a secure area to avoid contact with wild birds, which can carry the virus.</li>
<li>Practice Biosecurity: Clean and disinfect equipment, practice strict hygiene when handling your birds, avoid visiting someone else’s property with birds and wearing the same clothing when you are with your own flock to prevent potential cross-contamination.</li>
<li>Monitor Your Flock: Regularly check for signs of illness.</li>
<li>Isolate New Birds: Quarantine new poultry for at least two weeks to prevent introducing disease.</li>
<li>Stay Informed: Follow local reports on bird flu outbreaks and advice from authorities.</li>
</ol>
<h4><strong>Signs of Bird Flu</strong></h4>
<p>What are the signs to determine if your birds have avian influenza? Please see this link for information: <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/brevardco/2025/01/07/things-to-know-about-avian-influenza-or-bird-flu/">https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/brevardco/2025/01/07/things-to-know-about-avian-influenza-or-bird-flu/</a></p>
<p>Signs of the disease vary greatly and depend on many factors, including the age and species of poultry affected, husbandry practices, and the inherent pathogenicity of the influenza virus strain (Newman, 2025).</p>
<p>Signs to look for may include:</p>
<p>ruffled feathers</p>
<p>soft-shelled eggs</p>
<p>depression and droopiness</p>
<p>sudden drop in egg production</p>
<p>loss of appetite</p>
<p>cyanosis (purplish-blue coloring) of wattles and comb</p>
<p>edema and swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks</p>
<p>diarrhea</p>
<p>blood-tinged discharge from nostrils</p>
<p>incoordination, including loss of ability to walk and stand</p>
<p>pin-point hemorrhages (most easily seen on the feet and shanks)</p>
<p>respiratory distress</p>
<p>increased death losses in a flock</p>
<p>The clinical signs of avian influenza are like those of other avian diseases. Avian flu may be confused with infectious bronchitis, laryngotracheitis, fowl cholera, and the various forms of Newcastle disease.</p>
<h4><strong>Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs</strong></h4>
<p>Interested in raising backyard chickens for eggs? Check out this excellent resource from UF IFAS: <a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/an239">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/an239</a>.  The Wakulla County Extension office offers free educational workshops for youth and adults. Watch for a workshop on Backyard Poultry for families to be announced soon! For more information, please call our office (850-926-3931) or visit 84 Cedar Avenue in Crawfordville.</p>
<h4><strong>School Embryology Program</strong></h4>
<p>Each spring, Wakulla 4-H partners with local elementary schools to offer classroom-based embryology programs. Wakulla 4-H provides incubators, embryology curriculum resources, and fertilized eggs to support these educational programs.</p>
<figure id="attachment_32949" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-32949" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-32949 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Recently hatched chicks in a brooder box. " width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/wakullaco/files/2025/03/chicks-in-brooder-box-225x300.jpg"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-32949" class="wp-caption-text">Each spring, Wakulla 4-H partners with local teachers to offer school-based embryology. These chicks were hatched in a local classroom and will now return to a 4-H member&#8217;s local farm.</figcaption></figure>
<p>The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&amp;M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Additional Resources</strong></h4>
<p>Florida 4-H Chick Chain</p>
<p><a href="http://Florida 4-H Chick Chain">https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/4-h-poultry-project/skill-a-thon?authuser=</a>0</p>
<p>For Shelter Rescues and Access to Care Clinics</p>
<p><a href="https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2025/02/10/h5n1-avian-influenza-resources-for-shelters-rescues-and-access-to-care-clinics/">https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2025/02/10/h5n1-avian-influenza-resources-for-shelters-rescues-and-access-to-care-clinics/</a></p>
<p>Keeping Backyard Poultry Safe from Bird Flu</p>
<p><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2025/01/24/keeping-backyard-poultry-safe-from-bird-flu/">https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2025/01/24/keeping-backyard-poultry-safe-from-bird-flu/</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


From Practice to Poultry Perfection
4-H agent Rachel Pienta works with youth to develop skills in poultry showmanship.
Wakulla 4-H hosted the annual Poultry Perfection Workshop on Saturday, March 1.  Youth from Wakulla, Gulf, Jefferson, and Gadsden counties spent the morning demonstrating their poultry science knowledge and showmanship skills at the Wakulla County Extension office. Youth learned how to handle birds for the upcoming district poultry show scheduled March 29, 2025 at the Extension facility in Washington County, Florida. Each youth practiced show skills by demonstrating their knowledge of poultry breeds and anatomy with their individual show bird and completed a poultry science skill-a-thon.
Youth who participate in the District Show are required to submit a project book that documents how they raised their show bird.  Show participants demonstrate their poultry knowledge in a live judging format as well as in a skill-a-thon. Youth who progress through the age levels of the 4-H program can compete in a demonstration or illustrated talk session about their poultry projects. Projects include topics such as building poultry-based businesses that demonstrate how young people can apply entrepreneurial skills to start a business and generate a profit.
Chick Chain Project
Preparation for the District show begins months before, in September of the prior year. Each fall, members of Wakulla 4-H begin raising chicks as participants in the UF IFAS NW District 4-H Chick Chain Program. From September to March, youth ages 5 to 18 choose one or more chicken breeds that will be raised from newly hatched chicks to mature chickens.  At monthly club meetings youth learn how to feed and care for their birds, including how to maintain flock biosecurity. Youth learn how to recognize different bird breeds, chicken market cuts, anatomy, as well as egg candling and grading.  To learn more about this annual poultry project, visit this website: https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/4-h-poultry-project/home. The next Chick Chain will begin in September!
4-H Program Assistant Christy Pearson taught at one of the poultry science knowledge demonstration stations during a recent poultry workshop.
Biosecurity and Flock Protection
Youth enrolled in the Chick Chain project learn how to keep their flock safe from threats that include predators and avian disease. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides guidelines on flock defense to maintain bird health: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock.  Bird flu is caused by the avian influenza virus and can affect all types of birds, including chickens, ducks, turkey. There are two main types: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI), which is milder, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe illness and death in poultry (Stonecipher, 2025).
Five Tips to Protect Your Flock
Limit Exposure to Wild Birds: Keep your flock in a secure area to avoid contact with wild birds, which can carry the virus.
Practice Biosecurity: Clean and disinfect equipment, practice strict hygiene when handling your birds, avoid visiting someone else’s property with birds and wearing the same clothing when you are with your own flock to prevent potential cross-contamination.
Monitor Your Flock: Regularly check for signs of illness.
Isolate New Birds: Quarantine new poultry for at least two weeks to prevent introducing disease.
Stay Informed: Follow local reports on bird flu outbreaks and advice from authorities.
Signs of Bird Flu
What are the signs to determine if your birds have avian influenza? Please see this link for information: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/brevardco/2025/01/07/things-to-know-about-avian-influenza-or-bird-flu/
Signs of the disease vary greatly and depend on many factors, including the age and species of poultry affected, husbandry practices, and the inherent pathogenicity of the influenza virus strain (Newman, 2025).
Signs to look for may include:
ruffled feathers
soft-shelled eggs
depression and droopiness
sudden drop in egg production
loss of appetite
cyanosis (purplish-blue coloring) of wattles and comb
edema and swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks
diarrhea
blood-tinged discharge from nostrils
incoordination, including loss of ability to walk and stand
pin-point hemorrhages (most easily seen on the feet and shanks)
respiratory distress
increased death losses in a flock
The clinical signs of avian influenza are like those of other avian diseases. Avian flu may be confused with infectious bronchitis, laryngotracheitis, fowl cholera, and the various forms of Newcastle disease.
Raising Backyard Chickens for Eggs
Interested in raising backyard chickens for eggs? Check out this excellent resource from UF IFAS: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/an239.  The Wakulla County Extension office offers free educational workshops for youth and adults. Watch for a workshop on Backyard Poultry for families to be announced soon! For more information, please call our office (850-926-3931) or visit 84 Cedar Avenue in Crawfordville.
School Embryology Program
Each spring, Wakulla 4-H partners with local elementary schools to offer classroom-based embryology programs. Wakulla 4-H provides incubators, embryology curriculum resources, and fertilized eggs to support these educational programs.
Each spring, Wakulla 4-H partners with local teachers to offer school-based embryology. These chicks were hatched in a local classroom and will now return to a 4-H member’s local farm.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.
 
Additional Resources
Florida 4-H Chick Chain
https://sites.google.com/ufl.edu/4-h-poultry-project/skill-a-thon?authuser=0
For Shelter Rescues and Access to Care Clinics
https://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/2025/02/10/h5n1-avian-influenza-resources-for-shelters-rescues-and-access-to-care-clinics/
Keeping Backyard Poultry Safe from Bird Flu
https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/volusiaco/2025/01/24/keeping-backyard-poultry-safe-from-bird-flu/

From Practice to Poultry Perfection Wakulla 4-H hosted the annual Poultry Perfection Workshop on Saturday, March 1.  Youth from Wakulla, Gulf, Jefferson, and Gadsden counties spent the morning demonstrating their poultry science knowledge and showmanship skills at the Wakulla County Extension office. Youth learned how to handle birds for the upcoming district poultry show scheduled […]

Wakulla 4-H Poultry Science Program Provides Hands on Learning for Local Youth

Florida 4-H Public Speaking program, powered by FPL Buckle Up!  We are going on a road trip!  We are also going to learn about the benefits of space exploration, self-confidence, PHOF, why no sleep, and quitting passions.  All of these were topics at the Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Seminole County Competition. Sixth-grade [&#8230;]

<h4>Florida 4-H Public Speaking program, powered by FPL</h4>
<p>Buckle Up!  We are going on a road trip!  We are also going to learn about the benefits of space exploration, self-confidence, PHOF, why no sleep, and quitting passions.  All of these were topics at the Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Seminole County Competition. Sixth-grade youth from schools all over Seminole County vied for the top spots.</p>
<p>The Florida 4-H Public Speaking program, powered by FPL teaches young people the techniques of effective public speaking. This educational program is designed to give sixth-grade students experience in preparing and delivering a speech. Being a 4-H school enrichment program of the University of Florida IFAS Extension, it is taught by classroom teachers and is incorporated into the established teacher lesson plan. With the guidance of their teachers, the participating students work on a speech topic of their choice. The course culminates in classroom competitions and school competitions where the top speaker from each school is invited to participate in a countywide contest.</p>
<h4>Judges</h4>
<p>Judges this year were Linda Dubea, EA Manager for Florida Power and Light, Rick Durr, Director, Seminole County Leisure Services, and Ally Linville, Public Relations Coordinator for Seminole County Government.</p>
<h4>School Participants</h4>
<p>Over 2,000 6<sup>th</sup> grade students participated in the program this year.  County finalists were: Calem Anthony,  “Roller Coasters,” Jackson Heights Middle School; Parth Arora, “PHOF,” Lawton Chiles Middle School; Macy Bentley, “The Road Trip,” The Masters Academy; Nathan Kreuzer, “The Benefits of Space Exploration,” Holy Cross Lutheran Academy; Parsah Mohebpour, “Why No Sleep,” Markham Woods Middle School;  Abigail Rawls, “Self Confidence,” Double R Private School; Caylin Rogers, “Quitting My Passion,” All Souls Catholic School.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2501 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/files/2022/05/county.contestants-300x200.jpg"></p>
<h4>Contest Winners</h4>
<p>First place winner was Macy Bentley, The Masters Academy; second place was Parsah Mohebpour, Markham Woods Middle School; third place was Parth Arora, Lawton Chiles Middles School.   There have been over one million Seminole County 6<sup>th</sup> graders participating in this program. Interested in learning more about the University of Florida IFAS Extension Seminole County 4-H program? Visit our <a href="https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/extension-services/4-h-youth-development/">website</a> and follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SeminoleCounty4H/">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seminole_county4h/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2499 lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/seminoleco/files/2022/05/county.winners.2-300x200.jpg"></p>
<p>l-&gt;r: Parth Arora, Parsah Mohebpour, Macy Bentley</p>
<p></p>

Florida 4-H Public Speaking program, powered by FPL
Buckle Up!  We are going on a road trip!  We are also going to learn about the benefits of space exploration, self-confidence, PHOF, why no sleep, and quitting passions.  All of these were topics at the Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Seminole County Competition. Sixth-grade youth from schools all over Seminole County vied for the top spots.
The Florida 4-H Public Speaking program, powered by FPL teaches young people the techniques of effective public speaking. This educational program is designed to give sixth-grade students experience in preparing and delivering a speech. Being a 4-H school enrichment program of the University of Florida IFAS Extension, it is taught by classroom teachers and is incorporated into the established teacher lesson plan. With the guidance of their teachers, the participating students work on a speech topic of their choice. The course culminates in classroom competitions and school competitions where the top speaker from each school is invited to participate in a countywide contest.
Judges
Judges this year were Linda Dubea, EA Manager for Florida Power and Light, Rick Durr, Director, Seminole County Leisure Services, and Ally Linville, Public Relations Coordinator for Seminole County Government.
School Participants
Over 2,000 6th grade students participated in the program this year.  County finalists were: Calem Anthony,  “Roller Coasters,” Jackson Heights Middle School; Parth Arora, “PHOF,” Lawton Chiles Middle School; Macy Bentley, “The Road Trip,” The Masters Academy; Nathan Kreuzer, “The Benefits of Space Exploration,” Holy Cross Lutheran Academy; Parsah Mohebpour, “Why No Sleep,” Markham Woods Middle School;  Abigail Rawls, “Self Confidence,” Double R Private School; Caylin Rogers, “Quitting My Passion,” All Souls Catholic School.

Contest Winners
First place winner was Macy Bentley, The Masters Academy; second place was Parsah Mohebpour, Markham Woods Middle School; third place was Parth Arora, Lawton Chiles Middles School.   There have been over one million Seminole County 6th graders participating in this program. Interested in learning more about the University of Florida IFAS Extension Seminole County 4-H program? Visit our website and follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

l->r: Parth Arora, Parsah Mohebpour, Macy Bentley

Florida 4-H Public Speaking program, powered by FPL Buckle Up!  We are going on a road trip!  We are also going to learn about the benefits of space exploration, self-confidence, PHOF, why no sleep, and quitting passions.  All of these were topics at the Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Seminole County Competition. Sixth-grade […]

Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL, Seminole County Contest

Institutions

Instituciones

Education

Educación 

This series of four fact sheets helps teachers and parents protect children from potentially hazardous interactions with venomous snakes in Florida. Written with Florida public schools in mind, private schools, child daycare centers, and homeowners will also find this information useful, including:
<ol>
<li>information that schools can provide to concerned parents</li> 
<li>steps schools can take to discourage snakes from entering school property</li>
<li>a brief educational program teachers can present to students</li>
<li>an action plan telling what to do in the event a child is bitten by a venomous snake, and</li>
<li>a guide to assist in recognizing venomous snakes in Florida.</li></ol>
<h2>Related websites</h2>
<ul><li><a href="http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/dealing_with_snakes.shtml">UF Wildlife: Dealing with Snakes</a></li></ul>

Dealing with Venomous Snakes in Florida School Yards series

Schools

Escuelas

This page lists UF/IFAS fact sheets related to the Florida Farm to School Partnership, sponsored and managed by the Florida Department of Agriculture(FDACS).

Schools

Narrower Topics

FDACS/UF-IFAS Florida Farm to School Partnership

School-Based 4-H Programs

Teaching Methods

Publications

African Honey Bee Information for School Administrators

Young Voices Shine in Seminole County’s 2025 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Competition

Wakulla 4-H Poultry Science Program Provides Hands on Learning for Local Youth

Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL, Seminole County Contest

Schools

Narrower Topics

FDACS/UF-IFAS Florida Farm to School Partnership

School Gardens

School-Based 4-H Programs

Teaching Methods

Publications

African Honey Bee Information for School Administrators

Young Voices Shine in Seminole County’s 2025 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL Competition

Wakulla 4-H Poultry Science Program Provides Hands on Learning for Local Youth

Florida 4-H Public Speaking, powered by FPL, Seminole County Contest