JAMESTOWN – Citing her relatives, her parents, members of the military, and the generosity of optimistic strangers, JHS sophomore, Karley Kennedy, won the girls’ division of the New York/New England Optimist Oratorical Contest in Utica on Saturday, April 7th.
Competing against other district winners from across the state and the northeast, Karley received high scores in poise, presentation, content, and creativity as she delivered her memorized four and a half minute speech before an audience and panel of judges. Karley received a $2,500 scholarship for her speech.
“Karley’s energy, enthusiasm, and happy demeanor leant an aura of authenticity to her speech,” remarked her public speaking teacher, Barbi Price. “She’s been practicing everyday for the past two months, and I am so pleased that all her hard work paid off.”
Kennedy added, “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to compete at the District level. I would not have been able to win the girls division without the Public Speaking class taught by Mrs. Price. I will continue to use these skills throughout my whole life.”
The topic for this year’s speech was: “Where are the roots of my optimism?” which Karley wrote for an assignment in Mrs. Price’s College Level Public Speaking class.
