The 3rd Annual Give Us Your Best 60 Second Intro Contest

On November 9, 2024, in Louisville, Ky., nearly 30 youth competed in the third annual “Give Us Your Best 60-second Intro” public speaking contest. The participants ranged in age from 6-20, it was a contest for the ages. For nearly 60 minutes, the youth wowed the crowd with stories, memories, and their success slogan for the ever-popular Jersey cow.

Each contestant was asked to take the microphone, make an introduction, and give their version of the Jersey cow’s slogan for success. Many great slogans for the breed were presented, including: Big things come in small packages; the Queens of Cream; Jersey milk is better quality, making for a better you; Big Things Come from the Little Things; and so many more fun and creative ideas.

Nine youth were recognized for their efforts. From the junior division, Isaac Haws, Michigan; Tillman Peters, Indiana; and Kaylyn Powell, Pennsylvania, were the top three.

The three youth acknowledged from the intermediate division were Landon Denton, Texas; Abby Yoder, Illinois; and Emma Wiley, Georgia.

Emma Townsend, Indiana; Noelle Vos, and Erica Stock-Neal, Wisconsin, were the three senior division participants acknowledged for their efforts.

The judges for the event selected Emma Townsend as the overall winner and Abby Yoder as the reserve winner. Their full speeches are in the link below.

Give Us Your 60 Second Intro 2024 All American   (click for the video)

Dr. Katharine Knowlton of Virginia Tech sponsors the contest and was on hand to present the top nine contestants with their cash awards.

Pictured with Knowlton are: front row, Kaylyn Powell, Pa. and Tillman Peters, Ind.
Back row: Issac Haws, Mich.; Emma Wiley, Ga.; Abby Yoder, Ill.; Landon Denton, Texas; Emma Townsend, Ind.; Erica Stock-Neal, Wis., and Noelle Vos, Wis.

The idea for the Give Your Best 60-Second intro was born from the advice of former American Jersey Cattle Club Executive Secretary Maurice Core to his staff. He always asked that they be ready with an introduction of themselves when at public meetings and on farms. This contest has quickly become a staple youth contest of the AJCA at national events.

The contest is presented twice yearly. In November at the All American Jersey festivities on Junior Activity day and in June at the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings. This year’s summer meeting will be held in Lexington, Ky., June 25-28.