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Fifth and Sixth Grade Orators Speak With Confidence

McDonogh’s time-honored Oratory Program formally begins in Middle School when students learn the fundamentals of projection, expression, speech writing, and overcoming the fear of speaking before an audience of their parents and their peers. The program, which continues in Upper School, contributes to the LifeReady competency of being able to communicate well in a variety of arenas.

On Thursday, March 4, ten fifth and sixth grade finalists and four emcees stood behind the podium in the Ceres M. Horn Theatre to demonstrate their oratory skills. Each student was calm, cool, and concise. Fifth grade emcees Mya T., Trevor F., and Peyton C. explained that the speeches from their classmates were original compositions about the power of emotion. Speakers Nengi B., Alexa G., Andrew H., Spirit R., and Riva W. addressed topics from “What's That Smell?” to “Public School to Private School” with complete composure.

After a brief intermission, sixth grade emcee Reid S. explained that in the second year of the Oratory Program, students compose personal essays about what they believe to be true, based on personal experience. He said, “Sometimes students come upon the truth as a result of tough lessons, and sometimes these truths become evident through deeply satisfying experiences. However they come about, these truths inspire change.”

The sixth grade speakers Isabelle F., Sophia M., Zoe R., Maya R., and Noah R. delivered speeches on a variety of topics including “Call of the Ice,” “How to Train Your Beardie,” and “We Are All the Same.” Regardless of the topic, each student tackled their subject with conviction and confidence. Congratulations to all the speakers.