Public speaking is listed as one of the most stressful activities one can participate in. Every year Rotary International’s Four-Way Speech Competition challenges students to face that fear head-on. New Carlisle’s Rotary Club hosted Tecumseh High School students in Round One of the club’s local 2017 competition on Feb. 21 during the club’s weekly meeting.

Students in grades 9-12 are eligible to compete and can win cash prizes at each level of competition. Speakers must write and memorize an original 4-5 minute speech that echoes at least one of the principles in the Rotary’s “Four-Way Test.”

Harley Adamson, Noah Berner, Merrill Cline, Christian Hunt, Lexi Perez, and Alex Siemann took on the challenge and presented speeches that tackled topics such as the importance of school programs like the JROTC, the need for the Fine Arts in schools, and stopping the objectification of females.

The student speakers’ response to the experience was overwhelmingly positive, in spite of the inevitable obstacles one faces in public speaking.

“The hardest thing (to do) is writing, then memorizing, such a long speech. Then you come here and have to overcome your nerves when you present it in front of so many people...and there were a lot of people here!” explains Freshman Harley Adamson.

Even though Tecumseh High School does not have a formal Speech Club, the contestants say they met often to help each other with their speeches. For several students, this was a highlight of the contest experience.

“I really liked working together... it was my favorite part (of the competition),” says Senior Alex Siemanns. “We really helped each other a lot and had fun too,” adds Junior Merrill Cline

The students cite the support they received from Tecumseh Local Schools’ Assistant Superintendent, Paula Crew, as an important part of their experience. They joke that Crew “stalked” them in order to convince them to compete, but agree they are happy she took the time to seek them out because the experience will help them both now and in the future.

A Rotarian who congratulated the group explained he teaches students who are doing doctorate work, then commented, “It’s so nice to see potential coming up from high school...It’s good to know there are young people who are making a difference in the world.” Using to the Rotary Four-Way Test, that is “beneficial to all concerned.”

Northwestern High School students will compete in Round Two of the Rotary Four-Way Speech Competition on Feb. 28 during New Carlisle Rotary Club’s weekly meeting at Sacred Heart Church in New Carlisle. The final results of the competition will be published in the March 8 edition of the “New Carlisle News.”

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