Elementary and Junior High Students Speak on “Our American Heritage” at District Oratorical Contest

Audiences at the annual Gilbert Public Schools Oratorical Contest on Thursday, January 30th were in the presence of some of America’s most well-known historical figures…kind of.

32 students participated in the annual contest, representing GPS elementary and junior high schools. Each contestant memorized and recited a speech about five minutes long, on the theme of “Our American Heritage.” Speeches could be by a well-known, notable historical figure or an original work from the student participant.

To add to the magic of their performances, many students dressed as their famous orators. While not required to compete, it was a fun addition for the students and audience alike.

Various grade levels had their own division in the competition: kindergarten-second grade, third-sixth grade, and seventh-eighth grade. Presentations were scored by a panel of judges who determined the top finalists in each division.

Kindergarten-second grade division:
First place:  Sway Vasquez - Highland Park, Martin Luther King Jr.
Second place:  Elissa Yatzil Morelos-Pina - Spectrum, Sacagawea
Third place:  Ayaansh Jha - Highland Park, Neil Armstrong

Third-sixth grade division:
First place:  Julia Fingar - Val Vista Lakes, Ruby Bridges
Second place:  Oliver Campos - Spectrum, Benjamin Franklin
Third place:  Olivia Ostermann - Finley Farms, Sacagawea
Third place:  Ruby Webb - Superstition Springs, The King of Rock and Roll

Seventh-eighth grade division:
First place: Kennedy Hoffschneider - South Valley, The Pillars of American Heritage

Gilbert Public Schools is proud to have such bright and determined students at our schools. The winning students from each of the three divisions will be reciting their speeches at the February 25th District Governing Board meeting.