SE Valley Times

Audiences at the annual Gilbert Public Schools Oratorical Contest on January 30th experienced performances inspired by notable historical figures. Thirty-two students from GPS elementary and junior high schools participated in the contest, delivering speeches about "Our American Heritage." The speeches, approximately five minutes each, could be either by a famous historical figure or an original work created by the student.

Many students chose to enhance their presentations by dressing as the orators they portrayed, adding a visual element to their performances. Although not mandatory for participation, this addition was well-received by both participants and the audience.

The competition was divided into three grade-level divisions: kindergarten-second grade, third-sixth grade, and seventh-eighth grade. A panel of judges evaluated the presentations and selected top finalists in each category.

In the kindergarten-second grade division, Sway Vasquez from Highland Park secured first place with a speech on Martin Luther King Jr., followed by Elissa Yatzil Morelos-Pina from Spectrum speaking as Sacagawea in second place. Ayaansh Jha from Highland Park took third place with a portrayal of Neil Armstrong.

For the third-sixth grade division, Julia Fingar from Val Vista Lakes won first place with her speech on Ruby Bridges. Oliver Campos from Spectrum took second place as Benjamin Franklin. Olivia Ostermann from Finley Farms and Ruby Webb from Superstition Springs tied for third place with portrayals of Sacagawea and The King of Rock and Roll respectively.

Kennedy Hoffschneider from South Valley claimed first place in the seventh-eighth grade division with her presentation titled "The Pillars of American Heritage."

"Gilbert Public Schools is proud to have such bright and determined students at our schools," stated a representative of Gilbert Public Schools. The winning students will present their speeches again at the February 25th District Governing Board meeting.