Top 4-H Members Compete for Cash Prizes

Some of Nova Scotia's finest 4-H members will talk their way to $500 in education funds and other cash prizes this weekend.

They will compete for $2,700 in total cash prizes at the Provincial 4-H Weekend public speaking and demonstration competitions. The two-day event takes place May 10-11 at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Bible Hill.

The competitions will demonstrate the public speaking skills of 4-H members who have already won at the club, county and regional levels. The participants are between the ages of nine and 21.

"The 4-H program has a reputation for teaching young people exceptional skills and providing leadership training for their future," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "It is encouraging to see that prize money has been earmarked for their long-term education plans."

Several 4-H supporters have donated funds for the winners of several of the competitions.

AgriVest Financial Advisors, AIC Group of Funds, Cartier Partners and AIM Funds Group are sponsoring the four first-place prizes of $500 for junior speech, junior single demonstration and junior team demonstration. These prizes are designed to help fund post- secondary education and will be used to purchase registered educational savings plans.

The Women's Institutes of Nova Scotia have also recognized the value of the 4-H communications program, donating $300 for the winner of the senior public speaking contest.

The highlight of the weekend, 4-H Night in Nova Scotia, will take place on Saturday evening at the Cobequid Education Centre where competition and national 4-H travel awards will be presented. Several of the 4-H hosts and hostesses from the past 30 years will attend.

The evening will showcase the winning speeches, demonstrations, square dancing and entertainment. As well, the provincial 4-H host and hostess for 2002 -- the official youth representatives for the Nova Scotia 4-H program -- will be selected.

The public is welcome to attend any of the weekend events.

In 2002 the Nova Scotia 4-H program proudly celebrates 80 years of educating rural youth and strengthening rural communities. Since 1922, 4-H has been developing well-rounded, responsible citizens: tomorrow's leaders. In 4-H, young people have opportunities to learn a variety of skills, broaden their interests, meet new people and learn to do by doing. There are about 2,400 members, 1,000 adult leaders and 100 4-H clubs in Nova Scotia.