There were three categories: dramatic, historial, and original. Rena was in the dramatic category. She recited an Irish poem with an Irish accent. But she forgot to project her voice, so it was hard to hear her.
Interestingly, there was only one boy participating.
There were three junior highs represented, and someone from each school, as it happened, won first prize.
The dramatic and historical categories were heard in one room, and the original speeches in another. Since Rena was in the dramatic, that's where her mother and I went, so we never heard the original orations. That was a disappointment.
The first prize for dramatic went to a girl who recited "I Rise" by Maya Angelou. She was great! I'm glad I wasn't a judge, for they were all good, but this girl was GOOD! Second prize went to a girl who recited Psalm 138. Very moving. Third prize went to a girl who recited "I'm a Nobody Girl," unknown author. Her final line "You think I'm a Nobody Girl, well that's all right with me. To me I'm somebody."
In the historical category, first prize went to a girl who read the Gettysburg Address. Second prize went to a girl who quoted Elie Wiesel's "The Problem of Indifference." Her voice was small, but the subject was worthy. I congratulated her afterward on her choice, and commented that it was a good thing that people her age were cognizant of the historical fact of the Holocaust. Perhaps the young people today, the citizens of tomorrow, keeping alive the horrors of the past may find a way to prevent them from happening again.
As for the original composition, I can't say anything. I couldn't hear the names of the winners or their topics.
I told Rena that if she participates next year, I will coach her. I was a Toastmaster, and won many prizes, so I think I'm qualified.
The master of ceremonies reminded all the contestants that even if they didn't win first, second or third, they still could go back to school with an honorable mention. Just by being there, they were all winners.
There were goodies galore for the participants and guests. But I didn't partake. I already had my quota of "bad" carbs for the day.
I made a pot of tea in the afternoon because I was getting very drowsy. If I didn't get some caffeine in me, I wouldn't make it to the contest. After schlepping Harry around all morning and half the afternoon, I barely got a small nap. It would have been longer if I didn't have such noisy neighbors upstairs. And I had to stay awake long enough to chat with Sis, so the second pot of tea was brewed. I normally don't take any caffeine after breakfast, but I really had to have some help.
I'm feeling wakeful right now, so maybe I'll get some more mail read.
Shalom