Two young ladies will represent Beaufort County 4-H in a national, oral presentation competition in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 7–11.

Only four students from across the state have been invited to the 82nd convention of the National Junior Horticultural Association where the event takes place. Students compete on the regional and state level, and have to win in their perspective categories to advance.

Lennon Condrey, a freshman at Southside High School, won the regional competition with her presentation on Peanut Foods this past April.

In her presentation, she shared facts about North Carolina peanuts and demonstrated how to make a trail mix. She headed to the state competition in June and placed first.

Lilliana Worsley, a junior at Washington High School, presented in vegetables and fruits.

She moved up from the regional competition to the state with her interesting take on a salad recipe topped with her homemade dressing. She is now on to nationals and ready to represent Beaufort County.

Erin Massie, Beaufort County 4H agent, said, “It is exciting that we have two youth representing the county in a national competition for oral presentations. We have only had one other student from our county represent us in our history.”

The competitions on the regional, state and national level prepare children and teens for the job market in our global economy.

“I have learned that 4-H helps you with real-life situations. I have prepared, researched, and presented a topic. Most jobs today require this,” Condrey said.

Massie agreed: “The presentation program prepares you to conquer what most adults fear–public speaking. This will prepare the youth for the work force.”

Worsley was very timid and uneasy about presenting before getting involved in 4-H.

“The competition has helped me a lot. Before I was very shy, but through this, I have opened up more. I am very excited about this opportunity,” she said.

Massie, the local 4-H agent, would like to fund the trip through donations since the girls have received such a high honor. The registration cost has been covered, but hotel, car rental, gas and food cost means about $700 per family is needed.

For those interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Erin Massie at the 4-H extension office, 252-946-0111.