2012 Conservation & Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest

Submitted by Janell Newcomb, Dunn County Land Conservation Division

The Dunn County Land Conservation Division held its annual Conservation & Environmental Awareness Speaking Contest on Wednesday, October 10th at the Government Center in Menomonie.

While improving their public speaking skills, students learned about the importance of conservation and preserving our natural resources.  Topics included deforestation, silica sand mining, invasive species, pesticides, and endangered species, to name a few.  Students are judged on the content, delivery, and style of their speech.

Ten students competed in the event.  Tom Carlson, Bob Colson, Leah Nicol, Sarah Raith, Janet Riedel, and Tracie Wold served as judges for the event.

Anna Boesl, daughter of Mike & Lori Boesl, placed first in the Elementary Division with her speech entitled, “What Could it Be?”  Second place honors went to Collin Christenson, son of David Christenson and Malissa Barthman, with his speech entitled, “Fly High”.  A speech entitled “The Big Frog” won Tyler Glaser, son of Bryan and Terri Blaser, third place.  Jack Bowers and Corbin Vobroucek enlightened the judges on invasive species and endangered species.  All of the participants are students in Mrs. Olson’s class at the Prairie Farm Middle School.

Ally Heidorn, daughter of Chad and Nancy Heidorn, took 1st place honors in the Junior Division, with her speech entitled, “The Effects of Deforestation on Us”.  Abbagail Schotter placed second with her speech entitled, “The Role of Pesticides in U.S. Agriculture”, and Matt Reisdorf spoke about invasive species which earned him third place honors.  Silica sand mining and forestry were topics that Rowdy Kadinger and Hannah Yingst informed the judges about.  Dianna Dachel, of the Colfax Middle School, worked with the students in preparation for this event.

Anna Boesl and Ally Heidorn will represent Dunn County in their divisions at the West Central Area Speaking Contest which will take place on Wednesday, October 24th at The Plaza Hotel & Suites Conference Center in Eau Claire in which nine counties participate.  All participants did an excellent job and are to be complimented for their efforts.