Three youth who placed first to third in this year's annual 4-H speak-off competition gave their talks during a Kiwanis luncheon meeting at the Olds Legion Hall.
Speakers were Meaghan Heppner, whose topic was genetically modified organisms (GMOs); Elyce Bell, who talked about the advancement of Canadian women over the decades and explained why she decided to join the Canadian Armed Forces; and Clay Grattige, who recited the history of magicians and demonstrated some magic tricks.
The Kiwanis Club of Olds sponsors and co-ordinates the speak-offs each year.
Meaghan Heppner
Heppner said GMOs have a long history, going back as far as about 415 years, when carrots were genetically modified to be orange instead of purple, to go with the Dutch flag.
She said in Canada today, “approximately 95 per cent of canola crops, almost 100 per cent of sugar beet crops, over 80 per cent of grain corn, and 50 per cent of soybeans are genetically modified.
“Therefore, whether or not you are aware of it, many of the products on the shelf of your grocery store are genetically modified.”
She said Health Canada carefully monitors GMOs, comparing their nutritional value to non-GMO products and testing for toxic effects or their potential to create allergic reactions.
Heppner said GMOs are good for the economy and environment.
She said positive aspects of GMOs include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less field use of farming equipment, more carbon stored in the soil and less pesticide spraying, which contributes to decreased amounts of insecticide and herbicide.
“Genetically-modified crops are allowing farmers to grow more food without the additional land, resulting in a more sustainable way to feed our world,” Heppner said.
“With a clear understanding of their use, consumers, like myself, can then be confident in the safety of the foods they eat.”
Elyce Bell
Bell gave an overview of how Canadian women had made advancements over the centuries, including taking on traditionally male jobs during wartime, and the creation of a professional baseball league which employed women during the Second World War.
She said now, women are employed in more than 100 different trades and professions, ranging from health care to engineers to direct combat.
Bell said this past fall, she applied to join the Canadian Armed Forces and is now near the end of the process to join the military.
“Every time I think about the future I have created for myself, I get exhilarated,” Bell said.
“I remember how it has been a privileged opportunity given to me by the strong-willed women before me. Women who would not stand idly by as life passed, women who would not be mistaken as doormats to be walked over, women who demanded to be heard, women who demanded to be noticed; women like me.”
Clay Grattige
Grattige has been practising magic for about a year. He said he was inspired to become a magician after seeing a magic trick performed during a TV show.
“It's cool; the tricks are fun. I love the element of surprise and engaging the audience,” he said.
Grattige said the performance of magic dates as far back as 2,700 BC.
“Magic is about tricking or fooling the audience. It's about bringing a smile to faces and connecting with people,” he said.
Grattige demonstrated a few tricks for his audience.
In one, he indicated he could literally “feel” a specific card (the ace of spades) in a deck of cards.
That provoked strong applause.
“Never play poker with him,” an audience member said, sparking laughter.
“As I am sure you now want to learn some magic to do yourself, I have two important tips for you. Never do a trick for the same audience twice; never reveal how you did the trick,” Grattige said.
When he asked if there were any questions, an audience member said, “yeah; how did you do the trick?”
That too sparked laughter.
“These are amazing kids, you guys,” said Kiwanian Rita Thompson, who co-ordinates the speak-offs.
