By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
NEW SWEDEN — Officials of the New Sweden School are inviting community members to dinner on Wednesday, April 11 for the annual Speaking Contest for students in grades 5-8.
A tradition in the town, the top three speakers from each grade level share their oratory skills with the community while competing for their class trophy; next Wednesday’s top three speakers will be selected today during a preliminary competition starting at 1 p.m., which all New Sweden’s mid-level students participate in.
While the top three speakers of each grade are guaranteed at least a medal for their public speaking skills, only one from each class will be awarded a trophy.
Competition aside, school officials said that all students benefit from working to improving their public speaking skills, particularly since they have to recite their speech from memorization. Students picked out their own speeches for the competition (teacher approved, of course).
Twelve students will share their speeches with the community while vying for first place during the April 11 competition; dinner is free to the community and is served at 5 p.m. with the competition following at 6:30 p.m.
Dinner this year will be shepard’s pie with rolls, green salad and pies for desert.
