Murphy High School Student Wins 10th Annual Public Speaking Contest
Posted on April 10, 2019 by Communication
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MURPHY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS 10TH ANNUAL PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST
Mobile, Alabama – April 4, 2019 - The University of South Alabama’s Department of Communication in the College of Arts and Sciences recently sponsored its 10th annual High School Public Speaking Contest in the University’s Student Center Ballroom where 17 high school students in the 9-12th grades participated. This year’s first place winner was Murphy High School student Nash Boone.
Each of the students prepared a persuasive speech on the theme, “What is the greatest challenge to education in today’s society?” The participating students competed in front of a panel of judges comprised of faculty, staff, alumni from the communication department and professionals.
The top three finishers of the competition were:
Nash Boone, first place winner and recipient of a $100 gift card, from Murphy High
School, who spoke on the importance of unstructured play.
Jailyn Swink, second place winner and recipient of a $75 gift card, from Alma Bryant
High School, who spoke on the use of technology in education.
Gracie Falgout, third place winner and recipient of a $50 gift card, from Murphy High
School, who spoke on the influence of parental figures.
Each speech was five minutes and judged based on creativity, clarity, organization
and delivery, among other measures.
“We had a great evening listening to speeches regarding the challenges we face in education. This contest opens many doors for students as they overcome their fear of public speaking and receive feedback from judges enhancing their public speaking skills. These skills will help them succeed in their personal, academic and professional life,” explained Megan Sparks, event chairwoman and Senior Instructor in the Department of Communication.
Students who participated in the contest were from Alma Bryant High School, Davidson
High School, Mary G. Montgomery High School, Murphy High School, and Williamson High
School.
For more information contact:
Melissa Walter
mwalter@southalabama.edu
6021 USA Drive South
CB 204
Mobile, Alabama
Ph: (251)380-2764