BOSTON. April 5, 2009 - The historic Boston Public Library (BPL) was the site for the Finals of Speaking American’s statewide Public Speaking contests featuring 1-Minute Talks for Grades 3-4 and 5 and also holding Bilingual Talks for Grade 7.

Ms. Heidi Wolf, Speaking American’s Founder, said, “For the students, this is an opportunity to find their voices outside the classroom and for the audience to catch their messages.” She stated that these days it seems that people of all ages are wondering if anyone is listening, then added, “when you do Public Speaking and use your Public Speaking Voice, someone will be listening!”

Winner: Grade 3
Grade 3 Alexis Perry – South Shore Charter School – spoke on the special book she recommends, Charlie’s House by C. R. Bulla.

Honorable Mention
Grade 3 David Montero – Atlantis Charter School

Winner: Grade 4
Grade 4 Isabella Notarangelo – South Shore Charter School – spoke to recommend books by E.B. White, particularly, Stuart Little.

Honorable Mention
Grade 4 Evan Whitemyer – South Shore Charter School

Grade 5 Winner Talks about Someone Special

Aphram and Father

After Brian Aphran spoke in glowing terms about his father, someone in the audience asked if he was present. Mr. Aphram was indeed and enjoying the reaction along with the audience.

 

Grade 5 Honerable Mention Finalist Erika Santiago Erika Santiago – Abby Kelley Foster School – spoke about her mother as someone very special and later won the Parents’ prize donated by Trader Joe’s by pulling out her own name in random selection fashion.

Erica Santiago reacts with wonder at winning the Parents’ Prize for her mother. Sometimes, somethings are just meant to be.

 

Certificates of Participation

            Finalists received Certificates of Participation and Certificates will also be sent to those students who gave a 1-Minute Talk at the first round of competition at participating schools— Abby Kelly Foster Charter School, Atlantis Charter School, Calvin Coolidge School, and South Shore Charter School.

 Teacher’s Prize

By random selection, Alicia Mello of Atlantis Charter School won the prize donated by Trader Joe’s— a colorful shopping bag filled with special products found at Trader’s Joe’s.

Special Thanks

To Friends of Speaking American for cash prizes for Winners of the 1-Minute Talks,  for Certificates, especially to Angie Mallozzi and for donating prizes for the adults, a special thanks to Trader Joe’s. 

Memories are Made of This

Beth Adelson, Boston University (MA ’09), Photo Journalist covered our event and provided the special images found on this Web reportage for 2009.