WASHBURN, SAWYER COUNTY — On March 4th Washburn County students Samuel Draper and Ava Kildow participated in the statewide 69th annual state youth speaking competition during the WI Land and Water Conservation Conference. Both students represent Northstar Community Charter School in Minong. Ethan Rackouski participated from Sawyer County and represented Winter School.
All three competed with students from around the state. For months, each researched a topic of their choice and delivered their speech in front of numerous audiences.
The variety of speeches brought passion and enthusiasm from all participants.
Samuel placed 2nd in his division, with the topic “Shoreline Buffers”; Ava placed 3rd in her division, with the topic “Wakeboats”; and Ethan placed 2nd with the topic “Pesticide in our Land”.
The Washburn County Land and Water Conservation Department and Northwest Area Association are very proud of all the students and their hard work to make it to state!
Thank you to the parents and teachers for encouraging them to participate!
Last Update: Mar 13, 2026 10:50 am CDT
