Local Speech Contest Results Bring Joy to Elementary Students

Students at Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School (OLL) returned to applause last Friday, smiling ear to ear after their classmates took first place in multiple categories at the annual Shannon County Speech Contest.  

OLL Principal Theresa Lessert noted that years ago each of the regional schools took on a specific event from science fairs to spelling and math contests and traditional Lakota games. Today, the Speech Contest is one of the few that still takes place annually.

“Eventually, many schools dropped these events due to cuts,” said Lessert. “The loss of some of the events is truly sad, but the students look forward to the speech contest. It is a great event and OLL usually does a fantastic job.”

And this year was no exception. More than fifty students from Kindergarten through the eighth grades memorized speeches and public announcements including excerpts from Chief Red Cloud's famous speech and I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King.

“I attribute this success to the importance OLL places on excellence,” said Lessert. “We have always believed that maintaining a focus on speech and language will help our youth become more capable adults who are ready to be the strong leaders we need to make the our future brighter.”  

Lessert says that teachers work with contest participants for more than a month, stressing clarity, volume, posture and self-confidence while encouraging their students to do their best.  

“They are great role models for their classmates,” said Lessert as staff and students welcomed all the contestants back home as they hopped off the bus with their medals around their neck. “Every students is applauded whether they place or not, we are proud of all their efforts!”  

Results

• K—1st Place Overall
• 1—1st Place Overall
• 2—1st Place Overall
• 3—2nd Place Overall
• 4—1st Place Overall
• 5—Jordan Little Whiteman took 3rd, Wazi Thunder Hawk took 2nd, Kansas Clifford/Takira Brewer took 1st, Christen Pourier took 1st
• 6—Jordan Derby took 2nd place, Shyrah White Face took 1st, Danaye Mills took 1st, Athena Cook took 3rd
• 7—Addison Red Fox took 1st
• 8—Tierra Baird took 1st place, Lyric LeBea/Kylie Dupris took 2nd place, Carrie Twiss/Lakiah Walking Eagle took 1st