Art & Speech Contest

Lorraine Neale organized contestants from Downey Calvary Chapel School and Warren High School.  They held us spellbound long after our usual closing time, and we are promised that the results of our balloting will be announced soon.

The theme for the contest was the Rotary Four-Way test, and the orators took some fresh and unusual approaches to the rules for ethical behavior that we have heard so many times since we became members.

“Will it build good will,” and “is it beneficial to all” were applied to volunteerism, but not of the type within organizations.  Instead the student suggested a spoken service, of using loving and respectful address to each other.   “Is it the truth” became a way to apply tough love.

We were given ballots and asked to judge the candidates on, one, how well they developed their topic and the subject of their speech, and two, their delivery, both verbal and non-verbal.  Hand gestures and body language reinforced what they were saying.

The students were neatly dressed, the boys in shirts and ties. They all spoke with poise and enthusiasm as they outlined the points in their speech.  A few spoke without notes and came out to stand in front of the podium, which was refreshing.

Although there were copies of the speeches distributed to each table, it would have been helpful if they could have been collated beforehand for each Rotarian.  There was not enough time to listen to all the speeches and judge.

 Likewise, there were eight art exhibits, but after over an hour and a half of oratory, few Rotarians stayed to look and judge.  Next time, the speech limit might be set at five minutes, instead of ten.  Then the students could get the attention they each deserve.  All were well prepared and we wish the winners well in the next stage of the competition.  Below is a sampling of the art that was on display.