Oratorical Winners Announced This Week
A total of 15 middle school students from the Ocean View School District took to the podium in this year’s Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Surf City Optimist Club and OVSD. Students presented four- to five- minute speeches to a large audience on the question, “Where Are My Roots of Optimism.” Poised beyond their years and representing each of OVSD’s four middle schools, students touched on the themes of family, school, friendship, strength, and happiness.
“All of these students are to be commended for their speaking abilities and their bravery, but also for their ability to convey introspection,” said Dr. Carol Hansen, OVSD Superintendent and Surf City Optimist member.
After a tough deliberation, judges announced the top three winners in the boys’ and girls’ categories. Our top girls are: Brooke Foreman, 8th grade (1st), Aneka Edwards, 7 th grade (2nd), and Alexa Wylde, 6 th grade (3rd). Our top boys are: Matthew Quach, 8th grade (1st), Ronald Nguyen, 8th grade (2nd), and Caleb Garcia, 8th grade (3rd). Both first place students (photo: Matthew and Brooke) now prepare to compete in the regional Optimist Zone Competition, chaired by Dianne McQuaid. The Zone will be held on April 9 at 6 p.m. in the OVSD Board Room.
Surf City Optimist President Bob Eastland noted, “Each year, these young students impress us with their speaking skills and maturity.”
This year’s outstanding participants are:
- Marine View: Aneka Edwards (7 th), Alexa Wylde (6 th), Monashae Owens (8 th), and Maddison Mikuta (7th)
- Mesa View: Brooke Foreman (8th), Katie Nehrir (7th), Matthew Quach (8th), and Layla Racer (8th)
- Spring View: Ronald Nguyen (8th), Caleb Garcia (8th), Ally Trace (6th), and Victoria Landero (6th)
- Vista View: Anastasia von Kleinsmid (7th), Taniya Khattra (7th), and Alexis Boston (8th)
To view all photos from the 2018 Oratorical Contest, link here!