4-H, Tropicana honor student orators

East County students from Nolan and Haile middle schools and Willis Elementary School were among the winners at 40th Annual 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Manatee County Competition May 9 at the Manatee County Agricultural Center in Palmetto.

Students from eight middle schools and 34 elementary schools in Manatee County competed in this year’s competition.

Kendall Ganey from Bradenton Christian School captured first place with her speech, “My Crooked Tooth.” Second place went to Alisha Erozer of Nolan Middle for her speech, “The Crash.”  Third place was won by Sydney Lang of Lincoln Middle for her speech, “Fun with Kayaking.”  Fourth place went to Jessica Morgan-Daves of Haile Middle for her speech, “My Dog, Chester.”  

In the elementary competition, first place went to Sea Breeze Elementary’s Chloe Hollands for her speech, “Made in China.” Brook Lewis from Willis Elementary won second place with her speech, “Family of Fun.” Third place went to Mia Turosienski from Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School for her speech, “Mrs. President.” The fourth place award went to Sarah Rindermann from Williams Elementary for her speech, “Steven.”

The partnership between 4-H and Tropicana toward public speaking education originated in Manatee County more than 40 years ago at Palm View Elementary and has grown into a statewide program.