News Notes

Spring 1-Minute Talks (Grades 3-6) for 2002

BOSTON, MA-The Final round of the Spring 1-Minute Talk contest for Grades 3-4-5-6 was held at the Boston Public Library (BPL) on Sunday, March 10. Ms. Heidi Wolf, Founder of Speaking American, said that she was delighted to see the growing interest in the 1-Minute Talk contest opportunity.

She noted that over 100 students participated which requires students to speak before a live audience for a maximum of 1-minute without notes or index cards.

Danny Housley, Grade 3 reminds audience that victims of 9/11 called home and said, "I love you."

Patriotic Themes Represented

Ms. Wolf said, "A lot has happened since we met for the Finals last year. Indeed, the USA and the world are very different places in many aspects. As a result of 9/11, the country is at war and yet we are asked to make the most of the peace we have here at home and to find ways to keep our democracy strong." It was clear that 9/11 was on the mind of several contestants, including Danny Housley (Grade 3) who presented his Talk on the National Day of Remembrance and Brian Johnson (Grade 6) who spoke on Bravery saying "each morning as I go to school, I see a billboard that reads, 'No setback will set us back.' After all, this is the land of the free and the home of the brave."

Audience Involvement

"Our audience," said Ms. Wolf, "is filled with family and friends of the contestants as well as many teachers. It is wonderful to see this strong support and interaction and we are proud to host an event suitable for the whole family. Waiting for the big event -- the announcement of the Winners in each category -- seems the most difficult part of all.

Winners and Prizes

Juraj Kulik (Grade 4) waits with family for Judges' decision.

Winners prizes were captured by students from the South Shore Charter School in Hull as follows:

• GRADE 3: Danny Housley
• GRADE 4: Juraj Kulik
• GRADE 5: Carly Hayes
• GRADE 6: Nora Jordan

The Judges for the contest were: Courtney Carson and Greg Fishbone. Recording the event was photo journalist, Samantha Weinman (BU '02).

A Winners Circle prize, selected at random from the other contestants was won by Peter LeBlanc (Grade 6) of the Abby Kelly Foster school in Worcester. The prize was a Beanie collector's piece commemorating 9/11.

The Winners prizes were the same for all grade levels -- an un-circulated ten dollar bill with advice from Ben Franklin (1706-1790) in his Poor Richard writing on the value of money, that is, if you want to know the value of money, try to borrow some. Ms. Wolf added, "In addition to finding the power of the spoken word and the value of 1-minute, the prizes are a way to connect with our USA historic past, the promise of the future and the reality of the present."

More Prizes

Jacquelynn Rondeau (Grade 4) holds on to another while awaiting the results.

The Teacher's prize, selected by lottery, was won by Pamela Brazauskas, teacher, Grade 4 and enrichment co-ordinator at the W. Edward Balmer School, Whitinsville. The prize was a USA flag flown-over-the-Capitol and received by Speaking American through the office of US Congressman James McGovern.

Outlook for 2003

Ms. Wolf announced that in 2003 there would be a required overall focus for the Spring 1-Minute Talks -- USA Collectibles -- What Americans Collect and Why. "Speaking American has as one of its goals to reflect the American experience. What people collect, what they have a passion for shows a lot about how they spend leisure time. This 2003 focus offers the promise of a truly unique experience for presenters and audience alike. Mark your calendar and be there."

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