District Oration Contest

Area students present speeches

On April 17, 2008, area students competed in a district speech contest sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America, a national provider of fraternal financial services and programs.

Prior to the contest, the students had already won first, second, or third place in their local school's speech contest.  They shared their presentations on this year's topic, An American Landmark.

The first-place winner Brenda Gallardo, a sixth grade student from Wakefield, won a $50 cash award and a trophy.  Brenda's school will also receive an engraved trophy.

Second place winner Collin Matthews, a sixth grade student from Homer; and third place winner Brianna Samuelson, a fifth grade student from Wakefield, also received trophies.  

The first place finisher in the 7-8 division was Jenna Raveling from Homer, second place was Jessica Garcia of Homer, and third place was Anna Duncan from Anthon-Oto Maple Valley.

The top three finalists in each division qualify for regionals in Sioux City, Iowa on May 9th at 1:00p.m. in the Morningside Branch Library.

A special thanks to our judges Zoe Vanderweil, Janyce McQuistan, Lora Dion, Cathy Schroeder, Terri Samuelson, and Jerry Sharpe.

Modern Woodmen's School Speech Contest is one of six free Youth Educational Programs Modern Woodmen offers to schools nationwide.  Over 100,000 students compete in the contest each year.

Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen of America celebrates its 125th year of serving members and their communities.  The organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

Sub Navigation

• Handbook

Top