NEWS RELEASE
WORC. The final round of the 1-Minute
Talks for 2004 sponsored by Speaking American
was held at the Worcester Public Library.
Ms. Heidi Wolf, Founder of Speaking American, said: “Up until this year,
Boston has been the location for the Finals of our annual spring contest. Next
year we will return to Boston and the year after that we want to be back in
Worcester. By alternating locations, we hope to increase participation in our
public speaking program throughout the Commonwealth in the years to come.”
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Ms. Wolf talks about the public
speaking program for Grades
3, 4, 5, and 6 as the judges look on. |
Ms. Wolf spoke of the goals of Speaking American. “We offer a way for
youngsters to find the power of their own unique voice. We offer a way for
them to prepare a subject and then present it effectively to a live audience and
before the judges.”
“In this way, we hope to achieve an alternative to various types of
public speaking as seen on TV—namely, shouting matches before, after and during
nightly news; droning monologues in Congress before an empty chamber and those
anchors and hosts who read from a TelePrompTer.”
Joshua Keller Wins at Finals
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Joshua Keller, Grade 4, speaks
about
his Dad as the subject of his 1-Minute Talk as the judges, Mrs. Sue Falzoi
(right) and Mrs. Diane Lindberg (left), listen. |
Joshua Keller selected “My Great Dad” as the subject of his talk. This was in
response to the theme of the 2004 Talks—An American (or Americans) I Admire and
Here’s Why. Joshua spoke with feeling and pride about his father. To begin
with, he said, he owed his very existence to his father. Over the years, he has
shared many great experiences, including learning lyrics his father has created.
For his prize, Joshua received a US Constitution “We the People”
commemorative silver coin in a blue velvet case with a silver eagle.
Other Prizes
Each year, Speaking American presents a Teacher’s prize and a Parents’ prize
by random selection. Irene Logan of Belmont Street Community Elementary School,
Worcester, won the Teacher’s prize and the Parents’ prize went to the parents of
Ricky Housley, South Shore Charter School. Both prizes were Border’s
Bookstore gift certificates.
We want to thank the Friends of Speaking American for the prizes including
the gift certificates and the “Glory” beanie baby.
Mike Feltz (Clark ’04) was our photographer. We want to thank him for his
photo coverage of our 2004 program and for the wonderful family photo he
included to mark the occasion.
Prize Winning Photo
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The Keller family joins together
to enjoy Joshua’s
success and the surprise that his little sister won
a “Glory” beanie to help celebrate the event. |
Outlook for 2005
Ms. Wolf said that the required theme for the traditional contest is—
Lyrics—the words of these lyrics are great and here’s why! For the contest
offered to English Language Learners (those who are eligible to take the
MELA—ORAL), students can select their own topic.
“We hope we can effectively s-p-r-e-a-d the word of our public speaking
program for youngsters in Grades 3, 4, 5, and 6,” Ms. Wolf said.
“Sometimes center stage can seem a lonely place. Not only do we want to give
youngsters a chance to build confidence,” she added, “but in return these
youngsters are eager for more competition.”
Contest Applications
Applications for the 1-Minute Talks contest for 2005 will be available on
line the beginning of January 2005. Visit our web site:
http://www.speakingamerican.org
early and often for up-to-date details. We look forward to hearing from you. And
why not try a 1-Minute Talk?
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