Speech contest supports middle school curriculum

For more than 20 years, middle school students have participated in a public speaking competition as a way to gain public speaking skills, hone research and organizational ability, and enhance self esteem. The annual 'civic oration' event, sponsored by the Modern Woodmen of America, is also an opportunity for each school to be represented at a District-level competition where one student advances to the regional level.

Each year the speeches focus on a single subject. The 2010 topic is “If I were president,” inviting students to share the ways he or she envisions the opportunities and challenges of the job.

The students presented their speeches April 6 to an audience that included parents, friends, teachers, and a panel of two judges. Scoring was in the categories of material organization; delivery and presentation; and overall effectiveness.

Mikah Lunsford, Harding, placed first. Cora Lassen, Taft, placed second. Both girls will now advance to the regional competition. Carolin Berg, McKinley, placed third. Other participants were Ananya Munjal, Harding; Savaun Bounds, Taft; Emily Comer and Emily LaGrange, Franklin; Dorothy Hogg, McKinley; and Trey Hill and Chase Emanuel, Roosevelt.