On February 10, 2012, four juniors of CHF High School took the initiative to participate in the 9th Annual High School Oratorical Contest which was held in the auditorium. This contest was opened for all juniors and seniors and prizes were money ranging from $25-$100.
In order to participate, the student must write a well-written essay on the topic about “the effects of social networking on today’s generation and what role this phenomenon plays in education and/or career advancement” and present in orally in front of judges who judge you base off of originality, timing, logic, examples, comprehension, style, and body language.
Judges scored each contestant based off how timely they spoke. If they spoke under three minutes, points were deducted out of the total score. If they spoke over five minutes, points were deducted as well.
Before the contest began, Travis Latchman, a junior as well as a contestant said, “I’m feeling neutral about the contest. But once I go up in front of people, it’s a different story. But I have to stay positive and confident.”
The contest was opened up with a few words from Mrs. Aarons, the School Coordinator, who then asked everyone to stand to sing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”. Shortly after the song, Mrs. Aarons introduced the four judges, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Keith, as well as Mrs. I Washington and the timekeeper, Mrs. Landrum.
After the four contestants drew numbers to see who would go first, contestant number one, Travis Latchman had the honor in going first followed by Desean Smith, Josephine Hill, and last but not least, Obum Engolom. After presenting their speeches, the four judges spoke amongst themselves to tally up the total points for each contestant.
Contestants anxiously waited for the results when finally Mrs. Aarons was handed the papers of the final decisions. Due to only four students participating, all four were able to continue on to the Inter-School Competition meaning each student did not leave empty-handed. Taking fourth place was Desean Smith. Third place went to Obum Engolom, second place went to Travis Latchman, and last but not least, Josephine Hill took first place.
Mrs. Aarons handed each contestant an award as well as a check for their prize. These four juniors will now be able to revise their speeches to present once again at the Inter-School Championships on February 25, 2012 at the Prince George’s County Administration Building. Congratulations to the amazing contestants as well as the teachers for taking time to participate in the 9th Annual High School Oratorical Contest.