For members of 4-H in Sanders County, Sunday marked the final hurdle in a long climb to prepare for the 4-H demonstration competition

Hot Springs High School was the site of the first round of 4-H demonstrations.

A 4-H demonstration is a yearly event where members use ideas and concepts they are familiar with toput on a presentation. This presentation is judged and the 4-H members with the best overall demonstration is named the winners.

According to 4-H administrator Meghan Phillippi, the competition was designed to get its members skilled in the practice of public speaking while gaining self-confidence in the process.

There are two levels of presenters based on age groups. There is the junior level that is for members that are under the age of 14 and a senior level for members who turned 14 after October first of last year. There is also a special “Cloverbud” division for those who are between the ages of five and eight years old.

There aren’t any notable restrictions for the topic to use. Most students present a topic they are interested in or are very knowledgeable about. Some of the subjects that were explored included cooking recipes the most effective way to race in a half marathon, and even creating a wallet using nothing but duct tape. Even animals can be involved if it relates to what is being presented.

The judges for the round of presentations at Hot Springs High School were members of the community. There were 12 total who volunteered for the event. 4-H administrator Meghan says it is a way for the locals in the area to get involved.

“We enjoy having the community involved and most people who participate love to do it,” said Phillippi. “Many times we will have people who come back to judge the following year.”

Because of the high number of presenters this year, more presentations are scheduled for next Saturday at Thompson Falls.