Frances K. Field Award for Achievement in Public Speaking Event

On April 26th, fifth and sixth grader students competed for the 8th Annual Frances K. Field Award for Achievement in Public Speaking.

 

The boys were divided into homeroom sections and competed as “A” and “B” teams. Judges for the competition included alumnus David Hopkins '98; alum parent and current trustee Setareh Farsio (mother of Alan Mozaffari '09); and Cathedral’s current librarian, Helen Huber. The fifth graders on each team present memorized passages from famous speeches, plays, poems, or other works while the sixth graders delivered original persuasive speeches.

 

Alex Kindler (5th) - a poem: "Tailor Elf"

Stefan Tsakalakis (5th) - a poem: "Wheels"

Wesley Boatwright (6th) - a persuasive speech: NATO's Response to ISIS

Andrew Lehman (6th) - a persuasive speech: Nuclear Weapons Ban

Andrew Barakos (5th) - a poem: "the Shark"

Sawan Garde (5th) - a poem: "Jabberwocky"

Holden Brown (6th) - a persuasive speech: the Cuban Embargo

Brayden Mathews (6th) - a persuasive speech: Cathedral's Intersession Schedule

Boys were not judged on the content of their presentations, but rather on the presentation itself, including enthusiasm, clarity of speech, preparedness, posture, eye contact, and projection. The boys were graded individually, and the team with the overall highest score was announced as the winner. Despite a very close competition, the 5/6 “B” team was victorious. All of the competitors will receive a book of their choosing from the school, and the winners will have the privilege of working with Upper School Head and Headmaster to determine how the Field Grant can best be spent to benefit the school and their classmates.

Cathedral School remains extremely grateful to the Frances K. and Charles D. Field Foundation for their generous support that makes this award possible.