Photo (L to R) Back row; Optimist Club President John Bowen, Nicole Cerdinio, Rebeca Bayer, Mae Powell, Mary Holman, Kevin Bitar, Tyler Hadzicki, Alexander Danilowicz, Contest Director Claudia Ludlow. Front row; Alexa Blanchet, Lorea Mendiguren, Gabrielle Hadzicki
Ten students from Sacred Heart and Coronado Middle Schools accepted the challenge of competing in the 2010 Optimist International Oratorical Contest. It is a contest open to students in grades 6-8. Coronado has had several winners go on to higher levels of competition in the California South region. Last year, both the Coronado boy and girl winners won their regional competitions and scholarships.
Winning this year’s contest were Mary Holman and Alexander Danilowicz of Sacred Heart. First and Second Runner-ups were Alexa Blanchet and Lorea Mendiguren for the girls and Tyler Hadzicki and Kevin Bitar for the boys. Each contestant experienced significant skill growth by preparing, practicing, and delivering a speech — to a group of people, most of whom they did not know, with three judges sitting at tables waiting to render judgment along with a timekeeper assessing penalties for various speech infractions. All experienced the competition pressure, relief upon completion and the personal growth that results from taking on a challenging task.
This year’s competitors were again very strong performers. The topic that each had to address was, “Cyber-Communications: Progress or Problem?” The basic rules are pretty simple and require that a speech last between 4 to 5 minutes, no use of props of any kind, no self-identification, and announcement of the speech topic at the beginning of the speech. Maximum points allowed by a judge included: Poise – 20, Content of Speech – 35, Delivery and Effectiveness – 35, and Overall Effectiveness – 10.
Readily apparent to all present were the maturity and clear thinking displayed by all contestants regarding the assigned topic. Each student realized both the benefits that modern computer and communications technologies offer along with the risks associated with unwise use thereof. All placed the responsibility of proper use of these tools on the individual user, stressing the importance of personal character.
Optimist Club members assisting in the contest included Contest Chair Claudia Ludlow, Assistant General Manager of the Glorietta Bay Inn, Judges Lee Cargill, Joan Gillem, and Bernie Roeder, and Timekeeper Renee Cavanaugh. Carla Fargo also assisted in coordination of the event. John Bowen, Optimist Club President, presented medals to the top three boys and girls.
The Optimist Club thanks the students, their teachers, and parents for their combined efforts in accepting the challenge of competing in public speaking. We commend you all, most especially the fine young orators.
On April 23rd, both Alexander Danilowicz and Mary Holman took first place in the Oratorical Zone competition. They will move to the next level competition being held at the district level on May 15 at Grossmont Community College.
