This year, on the November half-day, the annual Speech Contest will be held for high school students. The event is required for students in advanced English classes, but optional for students in general English classes.
There are 16 different categories from which students can choose, including Classic Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Humorous Poetry, Contemporary Poetry, Dramatic Monologue, Humorous Monologue, Dramatic Duo, Humorous Duo, Religious Reading, Dramatic Reading, Inspirational Reading, Humorous Reading, Oratorical, Original Speech, Policy Presentation, and Skit.
A link is located in the Homeroom classrooms that students need to complete by October 8 to be eligible for the contest. Students who are not participating in the speech contest will serve as spectators and have an alternative activity to participate in.
“It is a little overwhelming because I’m also participating in Service Day right now — bad timing — but it will all work out. I did a Speech Contest when I was in high school, and I know it can be an enjoyable experience. Plus, it is a unique event for PHS,” said coordinator Heather Nichols.
Nichols believes students should participate because public speaking is a real-life skill.
“I hope that people will try it — even if it is a small piece, there are so many small performance categories that folks can be a part of. There are so many careers that require public speaking, so this is good practice, and who knows — you might win!” said coordinator Heather Nichols.
