Sacred Hearts Academy hosted the its annual middle school speech festival on Jan. 11, in which 23 fifth to eighth graders participated. Categories included impromptu, storytelling, duo interpretation and program reading.

“The tournament exists to bring together students from schools all over the island, promote public speaking skills and to cultivate an appreciation for language and the dramatic arts. One hundred forty students from 10 schools participated,” said high school speech adviser, Jill Sprott.

Academy students again earned trophies for the highest percentage of superiors and for the highest number of superiors.

The speech team has participated in speech competitions for decades.

“It has been a long-running, annual tradition at Sacred Hearts Academy.  I am not sure exactly how long, but it spans several decades, at least, as I can recall attending an event here in the late 1990s [while teaching elsewhere],” said Sprott.

Eighth grader Alana Glaser, who also performs in school drama productions, said, “Speech has made me more confident in my performing skills.”

Speech not only allows students to gain more confidence in public speaking but creates new friends from different schools.

“I enjoy participating in speech because it’s such an enjoyable experience for me, and I truly enjoy acting. My coach definitely has made me feel more comfortable on stage and led me to have fun with my performances. It’s a great opportunity to create stronger friendships with peers and even those who aren’t in the same grade as me,” said eighth grader Celine Arnobit.

Lower school speech team adviser, Susan Phillips, said “Students develop poise and confidence in their ability to speak in front of any audience. They learn and understand the need and the value to speak loudly and clearly. They are able to better articulate their thoughts and feelings in the classroom and in the real world.”

FIfth grader Alyse Glaser said, “Speech is great because I enjoy performing in front of people, and it helps me be more confident about myself.”

Other school participants came from Iolani, Punahou, St. Anthony, St. Theresa, Maryknoll and Holy Nativity.