Clendenning tops at district speech contest

FORT FRANCES—The Rainy River District speech contest for students in Grades 6-8 was held last Wednesday at the Robert Moore School gym.
The majority of the schools in the district participated, from Robert Moore to St. Francis here in town all the way to Riverview in Rainy River.
“Oral language is considered to be so important that it is given a separate section in the curriculum,” noted emcee Maureen Ricard.
“When you go into a classroom today, it is filled with noise and talking, as opposed to strict no talking rules when I was in school,” she added.
“But the students are learning speaking and listening skills, and they are talking to learn through accountable and purposeful talk.”
The annual event drew quite a few spectators, who they enjoyed topics that ranged from alleged cannibalistic Scottish tribes to directions on how to wash a cat.
Others included spontaneous human combustion and how to actually do a proper speech.
But it took topics such as woman abuse, Tyler Kennedy of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and an homage to a father to win the judges over.
Hailey Clendenning walked away with the largest trophy—a plaque with her name on it—when she spoke about the issues of woman abuse in the world today.
In a passionate voice, learned demeanour, and serious tone, she took home the well-deserved first prize.
Second place was awarded to Jared Kellar, who wrote and delivered a speech entitled, “My Dad.”
Opening with a snooty rendition of his father as “the nag,” Kellar moved on into the challenges his father has overcome, his unintentional humour, and the characteristics he has come to value and respect in his father—and even mirror in his own personality.
Delivered with humour and honesty, Kellar earned the approval of the judges and the crowd.
Taking third place was Phoebe Firth, who gave an inspirational speech about “a story of a boy who’s dreams came true.”
She recounted the life of Pittsburgh Penguins’ player Tyler Kennedy and how he rose from the life of every hockey player to the realized dream life of becoming a hockey star.
“Remember back in elementary school and you had to stand up in front of your class and your knees were shaking . . . remember how hard it was?” reminisced Mary Catherine Kelly, education director of the Northwest Catholic District School Board.
“I would like to give my congratulations to all of the contestants before you even begin,” she added.
“These 14 students were chosen to represent their entire schools . . . they are all winners already,” echoed Ricard.
The speech contest is an annual event that brings together the students, first in a competition against their class, then their against school, and then (for the select few) against the entire district.
Their speeches are graded by a panel of judges. Qualities that are looked for include personal ones, such as poise, personality, and attitude, as well as material organization, delivery and presentation, and effectiveness of purpose.
Finally, they are graded on their impromptu responses to questions posed by the panel.
“For these students to come here and compete at the next level, and meet other people and witness other’s talent, is really a wonderful opportunity for both the students and the parents,” enthused Kelly.
“I am proud to be here in support,” she added.
(Fort Frances Times)