The Diocesan Oratorical Contest, sponsored by the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services, was held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy, Forest Hills.

The winners were:

First Place: Juliana Estevez, Grade 8, St. Luke School, Whitestone – “UN Earth Summit Speech” delivered by Severn Suzuki

Second Place: Angelina Budhram, Grade 8, Holy Child Jesus Catholic Academy, Richmond Hill – “Dare To Be Different,” Anonymous

Third Place: Arthur Janello-Ruiz, Grade 8, Sacred Heart School, Glendale – “Keynote Speech At Winged Foot Scholarship Banquet” delivered by Tim Tebow

During the annual contest, students from schools and academies deliver a famous speech of their choosing. The contest provides a unique opportunity to foster the development of poise and confidence in students, and is a medium to enhance the essential life skill of public speaking.

Other finalists included:

Carmela Agosta, Grade 8, Our Lady of Hope School, Middle Village – “I Have A Dream” delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Anna Dilena, Grade 7, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy – “If I Should Have A Daughter” delivered by Sarah Kay

Natalia Kyriakopoulos, Grade 8, St. Francis of Assisi School, Astoria – “Back To School Address” delivered by President Barack Obama

 

Judges for the final round included Mary Scheer, principal of Holy Family School, Fresh Meadows; Barbara Kingston, teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, South Ozone Park; and Anthony Biscione, senior deputy superintendent.

The contest was organized by Sister Peggie Merritt, O.P., and Cathy Kenny, coordinator of special projects for curriculum and evaluation.