Kaskaskia College Hosts Speaking Competition
Kaskaskia College welcomed the University of Illinois 4-H Extension Program to campus on the evening of Thursday, March 6, 2025, for its annual public speaking competition. Young speakers from Bond, Marion, and Washington counties showcased their talents in categories including formal speech, illustrated speech, and oral interpretation. The event determined county delegates and alternates who will advance to the state competition in late April.
Judging this year’s competition were Kaskaskia College Professor of Communication Brandi Wilkins and Professor of Office Systems Technology Nathan Wilkins, who lent their expertise in evaluating the impressive performances.
The competition featured two divisions: the Beginner Division (ages 8 to 13) and the Advanced Division (ages 14 to 18). In the Beginner Division, Emma Morgason from Bond County took home the Overall Junior Division win, while in the Advanced Division, Ella Douglas from Marion County earned the Overall Senior Division win.
County Delegates Advancing to State include:
Bond County
•Delegates: Emma Morgason, Ashlyn Richards, and Allison Hemker
•Alternates: Ben Young, Ransom Detmer, and Hunter Hemker
Marion County
•Delegates: Ella Douglas, Bailee Patten, and Claire Hahs
•Alternate: Kaolin Lewis
Washington County
•Delegates: Holleigh Hiller and Mackenzie Hornbostel
