4-H public speaking winners announced

The Sevier County 4-H Public Speaking Contest was held recently at the Sevier County Courthouse. First, second and third place winners were named at each grade level and included:4th grade; 1st place - Daniel Patrick, New Center.  2nd place – Sarah Stoffle, Seymour Intermediate.  3rd place - Grant Fisher - Pi Beta Phi. 5th grade; 1st place - John Ginn, Pi Beta Phi.  2nd place – Ariana Hansen - Pi Beta Phi.  3rd place - Peyton Boli - Pi Beta Phi.6th grade; 1st place - Chaz Adams - Seymour Middle.  2nd place - Caleb Stoffle - Seymour Middle.  3rd place - Becky Niswonger - Homeschool.7th grade; 1st place - Michael Ratliff - Sevierville Middle.  2nd place - Ronnie Stinnett - Sevierville Middle.8th grade; 1st place - Samantha Greene - Homeschool.  2nd place - Rebecca Buntrock - Pigeon Forge Middle.   3rd place - Tyler Bruhin -Sevierville Middle.9th grade; 1st place - Emily Niswonger - Homeschool.  2nd place - Melody Ratliff - Sevier County High School.  3rd place - Seth Stoffle - Seymour High School.10th grade; 1st place - Katie Garren - Pigeon Forge High School. 11th grade - 1st place - Amanda Hansen - Gatlinburg Pittman HighSchool. This year, 2,675 Sevier County 4-H Members presented speeches at the local level, while 74 participated at the county level.  The Sevierville Sunrise Rotary Club provided savings bonds and cash awards for the top speakers, plaques were provided for the top three in each category along with ribbons for all participants. Sunrise Rotarians, Toastmasters and 4-H staff, from adjoining counties, served as judges.The public speaking contest is one of many 4-H opportunities available to all 4th - 12th grade young people in Sevier County.  For information about 4-H opportunities, call 453-3695.