GPS Traditions: 2026 Oratorical Contest
Hailey Borden
The annual Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) Oratorical Contest highlights students from K-8th grade delivering speeches on American heritage and history, with 2026 winners including Elissa Yatzil Morelos Pina (K-2) and Natalia Lange (3rd-6th). The contest focuses on "Our American Heritage" featuring performances based on historical figures.
2026 Winners:
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K-2 Division: 1st Place - Elissa Yatzil Morelos Pina (Spectrum Elementary).
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3rd-6th Division: 1st Place - Natalia Lange (Quartz Hill).
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7th-8th Division: 1st Place - Katia Gillilea (Gilbert Accelerated Middle School).
View each division's winning speech below.
Primary Winners: K-2 Division - Pictured left to right
3rd place: Coralie Price - Canyon Rim
1st place: Elissa Yatzil Morelos Pina - Spectrum
2nd place: Glendon Nelson - Highland Park
Intermediate Winners: 3rd- 6th division - Pictured left to right
1st place: Natalia Lange - Quartz Hill
3rd place: Rashae Cooley - Canyon Rim
2nd place: Emma Ricks - Canyon Rim
Junior High Winners: 7th-8th division - Pictured left to right
1st place: Katia Gillilea - Gilbert Accelerated Middle School
2nd place: Rachel Carroll - Gilbert Accelerated Middle School
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