In celebration of black history, North Penn School District (NPSD) students in grades three through 12 were recently encouraged to participate in the NPSD Black History Oratorical Competition which will culminate in a final competition round held on Tuesday, March 19 at Penndale Middle School in the Auditorium from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The competition is designed to give NPSD public school students an opportunity to shine through public speaking while honoring black history. To enter the contest, students were required to submit a video of themselves reciting a published speech or poem from an African-American or black leader such as Toni Morrison, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, etc.
NPSD was thrilled to receive 50 student video submissions for the competition. Chaired by NPSD third grade teacher Ms. Cynthia Douglas, a committee of NPSD teachers, staff and administrators have reviewed each of the submissions and selected 20 finalists for the district-wide competition. These selected students will present their speeches at a competition held at Penndale Middle School on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The final round of the NPSD Black History Oratorical Competition held at Penndale will serve not only as a chance for students to vie for the title of competition winner, but will also provide North Penn students, families and community members the opportunity to celebrate black history through musical performances by students and staff. The event is free and open to the public.
Based on criteria including expression/stage presence, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness, student finalists will be judged by a panel of diverse educators and community members. From the 20 finalists selected to compete in the final round, one student from each level (elementary, middle and high) will be chosen by judges as the winners of the competition. The three competition winners will be invited to perform at the International Spring Festival held at North Penn High School on Saturday, April 27.
Click here to learn more about the NPSD Black History Oratorical Competition.