Vadel headed to national 4-H speech competition

Katie Vader, a member of the Boundary County 4-H horse program, is headed to the national competition for public speaking.

Every year, the Boundary County 4-H program holds a public speaking and demonstration contest for all youth members.

In April, Vader gave a speech titled "Skills Over Pills" and won at the county level. She then went on to win the state contest, which was held in Rigby. Vader will now compete at the national contest in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 9.

Vader has been riding horses since she was 7 years old and enjoys helping younger 4-H horse program members. She plans to return home for the summer to continue working with them. Vader has been a great role model for the youth, program officials said.

Vader is the second 4-H horse program member from Boundary County to advance to the national competition in the past two years. Last year, Myia Anderson also went to Louisville. The Boundary County 4-H Horse leaders and members, along with their parents, wish Vader the best at nationals.