Youth

Committee Directors:

Roland Giguere (413-475-0520) - rolandgig@gmail.com

Karlena Henry (413-325-5192) - karlenah19@gmail.com

Committee Members:

Justine Lovely (508-667-7876) - soxfan1427@yahoo.com

Sandra Jefferson (508-866-7845) - smgsandrajefferson67@aol.com

The Massachusetts State Grange Youth Association is designed to provide leadership training and life skills training opportunities. There are only two programs that are age specific; all programs are open to all Grange members regardless of age. The goals of the Massachusetts State Grange Youth Association include providing leadership training through a variety of opportunities such as: Regional Conferences, Ambassador Program, John Trimble Legislative Experience, Mentoring Programs and The National Convention, just to name a few. Individual life skills are developed through the Achievement Award Program which offers opportunities for exploration in public speaking, communication (Sign-A-Song and Foreign Language), critical thinking, mentoring, and career exploration.

Those who desire to learn more about our organization can build pride and knowledge through our bi-monthly meetings and Youth Leadership Training School in the summer.

State Events and Competitions

Public Speaking Contests

The Public Speaking Contest is designed to help individuals find their voice, build confidence, and share
their ideas clearly and with purpose. Through this experience, participants strengthen communication
skills that will serve them in leadership roles, school, work, career, and everyday life.
Participants must be a member or a leader of either a Grange, 4-H Club, or FFA Chapter.**
An individual may only have one entry in each of the following contests:

Prepared Speech Contest
Impromptu Speech Contest
Elevator Pitch Contest

There are three age divisions in each contest:
(Ages are as of November 15th of the contest year.)

Youth: 14 - 20 years of age
Young Adult: 21-25 years of age
Adults: 26+ years of age

Prepared Speech Contest

The prepared speech is researched and prepared well in advance.

Presenters may choose any topic of their liking.**
The time limit is minimum three (3) minutes to maximum five (5) minutes.
Presenters may use props, PowerPoint slides, displays, etc. All items must be supplied by the presenter.
An impromptu question by a judge based on the speech topic will follow the speech. The contestant will have one (1) minute to answer the question.
Presenter must provide three printed copies of the speech outline on the day of the competition.

The top three places in each age group will win: $30 for first, $20 for second, $10 for third.

**Note that the National Grange has a Public Speaking Contest for Grange members in good standing.
For 2026, the topic must be “America at 250: Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future.” The topic for 2027
is not available at the time of this printing. To compete at the National convention, the participant must
be the top Grange entrant at the state level. For more information, see the “National Grange Youth &
Young Adults Program Guide.”

Impromptu Speech Contest

The impromptu speech is delivered with little to no advance preparation, requiring the contestant to
think on their feet.

Participants will draw two random topics, select their choice of the two and return the other one.
They will be given one (1) minute to prepare their speech.
The time limit is minimum one (1) minute to maximum five (5) minutes. The timekeeper will signal when one (1) minute has passed and then again at the 4½ minute mark.

The top three places in each age group will win: $15 for first, $10 for second, $5 for third.

Elevator Pitch Contest

As the title suggests, this is a pitch one would give in an elevator or grocery store line or another similar
situation. An effective elevator pitch will be prepared in advance and should be concise, engaging, and
tailored to your audience, typically lasting 30-60 seconds.

Subject should be Grange related.
The pitch should be succinct and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex explanations.
Contestant shall provide three printed summaries of the pitch on the day of the competition.

The top three places in each age group will win: $30 for first, $20 for second, $10 for third.

Sign-A-Song Contest

The Sign-a-Song Contest is designed to give individuals a fun and creative way to express themselves
through music and performance. This contest encourages participants to develop confidence,
communication skills, and stage presence while interpreting a song in a way that reflects their personality
and style. Beyond performance, the contest fosters teamwork, creativity, and self-expression, allowing
individuals to explore the arts in a supportive environment. By participating, an individual gains valuable
experience in public presentation and performance, while celebrating music as a tool for connection,
inspiration, and leadership within the Grange community.

Participants must be a member or a leader of either a Grange, 4-H Club, or FFA Chapter.***

Categories

Novice: A novice is one who is beginning to learn sign, has had no more than three sign language classes, and has entered the Sign-A-Song Contest no more than two times.
Hobbyist: A hobbyist is one who signs on an occasional basis and strictly for fun and has entered the Sign-A-Song Contest more than two times.
Group: A group is two or more people signing the song.
Expert: This category is for demonstration only and will not be judged. An expert is one who sign professionally and desires to encourage others to learn sign and participate.

Rules

Contestant shall provide three printed copies of the song lyrics on the day of the competition.
Contestants must furnish their own music.
Props and costumes are permitted.
Contestants must sign their own name and song title before beginning.
Contestants must inform the audience and judge what type of sign language they will be using.

Contestants will be judged on overall performance and use of sign language.

The top three places in each category will win: $30 for first, $20 for second, $10 for third.

***Note that the National Grange has a Sign-A-Song Contest for Grange members in good standing. The
2026 Sign-A-Song Theme is ‘America’s 250th’. Each participant is encouraged to select a song that
showcases their patriotism and honors the 250th anniversary of the United States. The theme for 2027 is
not available at the time of this printing. To compete at National convention, the participant must be the
top Grange entrant at the State level. For more information, see the “National Grange Youth & Young
Adults Program Guide.”

Candlepin Bowling Tournament

The Candlepin Bowling Tournament has been sponsored by the Youth Committee for many decades and
remains a fun activity for all. All levels of bowlers come together to enjoy some fellowship and a little
exercise. Note that, starting in 2026, you do not need to be on a team to participate and compete.

Non-Team Individual Bowlers

Bowlers may enter without being on a team.
Bowlers must be a member or a leader of either a Subordinate Grange, Junior Grange, 4-H Club, or FFA Chapter.
Bowlers may be of any age.
Non-team bowlers will compete within their age categories for any of the non-team awards.

Teams

Each team must have exactly four (4) bowlers. There is no gender requirement.
At least three of the four bowlers on each team must be a member or a leader of either a
Subordinate Grange, Junior Grange, 4-H Club, or FFA Chapter. Each team may have no more than one bowler who is not a member or a leader of any of these organizations.
Bowlers may be of any age.
Each team must choose a team name and a team captain.
Each bowler may only play on one team.
If a registered team member is absent, or cannot finish the competition, a substitute may replace that team member and finish the competition. If a substitute is not found, the absentee score will be equivalent to the lowest score of any tournament bowler for that string. The team must continue to meet all other requirements.

Rules

Every bowler will bowl three (3) strings.
Gutter bumpers are not permitted for bowlers who are 14 years of age and older.
Gutter bumpers are optional for bowlers who are 13 years of age and younger.
Each bowler, who is 13 years of age and younger, who does not use the gutter bumpers, will receive a 10-pin bonus per game added to their score.
Bowlers in each lane will be responsible for scoring and reporting their scores to the Tournament Chair.
If there is a dispute, the decision of the Tournament Chair is final.
At 9:20 am, all bowlers will attend an instructional meeting.
Bowling begins promptly at 9:30 am. Any players arriving after the sixth box must wait until the next string to bowl. A regular may not replace a substitute after the string has started.
The International Candlepin Bowling Association (ICBA) Rules & Regulations will be observed. Get a rule book where you bowl or online at https://www.candlepin.org/icba-rules-regulations

Awards

All awards are decided by total pin fall plus any bonuses.
All bowlers, who are 13 years of age and younger as of the date of the tournament, will receive a medal for participating in addition to any other prizes they may win.
Trophies will be awarded to the following:
- Teams who placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd after three strings.
- Male bowler who scored the highest single string. (High Single - Male)
- Female bowler who scored the highest single string. (High Single - Female)
- Male bowler who scored the highest total for three strings. (High Triple - Male)
- Female bowler who scored the highest total for three strings. (High Triple - Female)

Youth & Young Adult Ambassadors Program

The Massachusetts Youth & Young Adult Ambassadors Program provides a leadership opportunity for
young people to represent the Grange, serve their communities, and promote agriculture and civic
engagement. This program is aimed at growing and developing stronger leaders throughout the Grange.

Up to two (2) State Youth Ambassadors and up to two (2) State Young Adult Ambassadors will be selected
to represent Massachusetts Youth and Young Adults throughout the state and to compete in the
Northeast Regional Youth Ambassador Program. They will also be members of the Massachusetts State
Youth Committee during their Term as State Ambassador.

Eligibility

A member in good standing with at least 12 months of active involvement in their local Grange.
Ages 16–20 (Youth Ambassadors), 21-25 (Young Adult Ambassadors).
Interest in agriculture, community service, and leadership.
Must be able to make a full one-year commitment to the program.
Past State Young Adult Ambassadors are not permitted to run again.
Past State Youth Ambassadors are not permitted to run for State Youth Ambassador again but are permitted to run for State Young Adult Ambassador, if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Selection Process

Application submission.
Interview with an interview panel of 3–5 people.
Winners will be selected and announced at the State Grange Session.

Ambassador Responsibilities

Represent the Grange at events, fairs, and meetings across the state.
Promote youth involvement in Grange programs.
Maintain positive communication and updates to the State Youth Director(s).
Create social media content about programs and projects.
Represent the Massachusetts State Grange at the Northeast Regional Youth Conference.
Participate in state youth activities and involvement during the Annual Session of the Massachusetts State Grange in October.

Entry

Submit the online application by September 1.
Applications must include a letter of recommendation from the President, Secretary or Youth
Committee Chairperson of your Subordinate or Community Grange.

Awards

Winners will receive a certificate and a sash to wear for the duration of their one-year term.
State Ambassadors will have their travel expenses and registration fees paid to attend the
Northeast Regional Youth Conference where they will represent the Massachusetts State Grange.

Outstanding Member Recognition Awards

Every year, the Massachusetts State Grange Youth Committee wishes to recognize dedicated Grange
members who have done outstanding work. These awards, which can only be won through nomination,
are presented to individuals or couples who are actively involved with Grange on any level. The nominee’s
contributions should be outstanding and worthy of State Grange recognition.

The awards are as follows:

Outstanding Youth (ages 14-20)
Outstanding Young Adult (ages 21-30)
Outstanding Granger (ages 31+)
Outstanding Grange Couple (ages 21+)

Eligibility

All entries must be nominated. The nomination can be submitted by an individual, a Subordinate Grange, a Pomona Grange, or a Grange Committee.
Nominees must be a Grange member in good standing for a minimum of one (1) year prior to nomination.

Nominations must include

Nominee’s name, address, Subordinate Grange, Pomona Grange and degrees held.
Grange involvement including offices and committees served on.
Community involvement including school, church, work, and community organizations.
Nominee’s role in three major Grange activities and/or accomplishments.

Award

There will be one winner selected for each award.
Winners will be announced at State Grange Session.
Winners will receive a certificate and a sash to wear for the duration of their one-year term.
Winners will be invited to be part of the Youth Committee during their term.

Submit written nominations using the online entry form by October 1.

Youth Mentor Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize an adult member of the Grange who has mentored a Youth or
Young Adult member by demonstrating Grange Involvement. Examples of this may include:

Encourage attendance at regular meetings
Accompany them to neighboring Grange meetings or events
Answer questions the Youth may have about Grange
Encourage participation in Grange meetings and activities such as helping with programs, committee work or taking an office
Encourage socialization with Grange members
Encourage and facilitate participation in State Grange activities

Any Grange member can nominate a member by detailing the nominee’s relationship with the youth
member and detailing the efforts and response.

The winner will be announced at State Grange Session and receive a Plaque and $50 cash prize.

Submit written nominations using the online entry form by October 1.

Most Creative Youth Program Award

The purpose of this award is to promote creativity and spark enthusiasm of the youth and young adults.
The program should be educational, interesting and involve the members.
There are two categories:

Any Subordinate and/or Pomona Grange Youth or Young Adult, age 30 or under, who created a Youth or Young Adult focused program.
Any Subordinate and/or Pomona Grange Member, age 31+, who created a Youth or Young Adult focused program.

All entries are judged on:

Creativity - 30 points
Educational Value - 30 points
Publicity – 30 points
Organization and presentation of the report - 10 points

Each entry needs to present details and visuals highlighting the program. The entry should be easy to
understand and highlight the Youth involvement or topic.

Submission should be logically organized into one folder and include:

Pictures, materials and details describing the program.
List all who assisted in the preparation, execution and reporting.
Description of how the program promotes creativity and sparks enthusiasm of the youth and/or young adults.

The winner will be announced at State Grange Session and receive a $100 prize to be awarded to the
Grange of their choosing.

Entries may be submitted using the online entry form.

National Grange Youth and Young Adults Programs

The National Grange has developed many Youth and Young Adults programs which are available and
found on the National Grange website www.nationalgrangeyouth.org