BOERNE — The Geneva School of Boerne held its annual Eighth Grade Oratory Contest which is a highlight of the Logic School experience. Sarah Nichols was judged the winner, with Hannah Reynolds second and Ryder Buckelew third.
The Geneva tradition began in 2007 and has continued each year. Eighth graders memorize a historic speech or poem and deliver prepared recitations before a panel of judges.
The Oratory Contest is a precursor to the senior thesis, which students prepare and present at the culmination of their Geneva education.
Geneva eighth graders spend several weeks memorizing and honing verbal and non-verbal elements of a historical speech or poem before presenting to an audience of peers, parents, faculty and judges in the preliminary round.
The top 10 speakers advanced to the final round of competition on Dec. 15, held in Geneva’s Lyceum.
Nichols took first for her delivery of “Army Challenge to the British,” given by Patrick Henry on March 23, 1775, at Virginia’s Second Revolutionary Convention.
Reynolds claimed second for her delivery of Angelina Grimke Weld’s “Women’s Loyal Nation League” speech.
Buckelew earned third place for his delivery of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Other finalists included Charlotte Gerch, Claire Halinksi, Caroline Mitchell, Callie Patteson, Ryleigh Serafy and Peyton Willis.
“The competition serves not only as an academic exercise, but as a formative experience that prepares our students for leadership,” Logic School Instructor Shawn Harrild said, “and encourages them to speak in a way that honors Christ and brings Him glory.”
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