By Lana Meier, with files from Jennifer Greigson
Young speakers and presenters from across the South Interlake region took centre stage March 22 as Balmoral Elementary School hosted the 2026 South Interlake 4-H Area Communications event.
Participants from the Balmoral 4-H Club, Selkirk Silver Spurs, East Selkirk 4-H Club, Teulon 4-H Club and Argyle 4-H Club delivered speeches and visual presentations, demonstrating confidence, creativity and strong communication skills.
Organizers noted that all members performed exceptionally well throughout the day.
Top finishers in each category earned the opportunity to advance to the 4-H Manitoba Provincial Communications event, scheduled for April 18 in Brandon. Second-place competitors were named as alternates.
In the speech competition, Felicity Martens of Balmoral placed first in the Cloverbud category, followed by Eberly Wicklund of Argyle. In the junior division, Katie Marohn of Balmoral claimed first, with Alexa Dumond, also of Balmoral, finishing second. Reese Moore of Balmoral earned top spot in the intermediate category, while Charlee Tronrud of Teulon placed second. Evelyn Westdal of East Selkirk secured first place in the senior division.
In the one-person visual presentations, Lucas Young of East Selkirk placed first in the Cloverbud category, followed by June Holtmann of Selkirk Silver Spurs. Peyton Marohn of Balmoral won the junior division, with Molly Wlock of Selkirk Silver Spurs finishing second. In the intermediate category, Melodie Versavel of Balmoral took first place, followed by Allison Mushaluk, also of Balmoral.
Two-person visual presentation winners included Diesel Blue and Rheo Blue of Teulon in the Cloverbud category, and Rose McLean and Adley Rempel of Balmoral in the junior division.
The event was supported by a team of judges and volunteers. Judges and timekeepers included Magdelena Melnychuk, Diane-Mae Boychuk, Bev Wait, Maegan White, Barb Melnychuk and Karen Olafson, 4-H Manitoba’s club support coordinator. Volunteers included Teresa Melnychuk, Kim Marohn, Lance Marohn, Kim Mushaluk and Jason Mushaluk. Balmoral members Annika Marohn and Aiden Versavel served as room chairpersons.
Event organizers expressed appreciation for the strong community support and the dedication of the participating members.
