Third grade students at Stewart Heights Elementary School participated in the Olivia Harrell Public Speaking Contest in April.
Jayne C. Lee, principal, introduced the program.  She welcomed the third grade students, teachers, and family members of the late Ms. Olivia Harrell.
Ms. Harrell was the P.T.O.  president at Stewart Heights during the 1999-2000 school year.
Everyone at the school was saddened by her death and this contest is held each spring in her memory.
Mrs. Lee discussed the importance of speaking clearly and presenting oneself in a positive manner.
Career choices that involved public speaking skills were also discussed.
Mrs. Lee introduced the judges for the program, Maxine Taber, Kay Lynn, and Diane Gordon, all three retired educators.  Mrs. Lee reviewed the contest criteria and then introduced each participant.
Two students from each third grade classroom participated in the contest.  Each contestant presented a speech on a topic of his/her choice.
After each student shared their speech, the judges retired to discuss the students’ speeches and family members of Ms. Harrell shared heartfelt memories of her.  The judges returned and presented a list of winners to Mrs. Lee.
S’Ven Carmichael won first place.  He received a plaque and a $25.00 PTO check.  He shared a speech about what he wanted to be when he grew up.
Khalil Bethea won second place.  He received a plaque and a $15.00 PTO check.  He presented a speech about Martin Luther King.
Mariah McLaughlin won third place.  She received a plaque and a $10.00 PTO check.  She presented a speech about her family.
Other contestants included: Ja-Marius Baines, Jakia Bethea, Sandy Bullock, Ja-Ziah Evans, Jasmyne Gibson, Florence Ndayishimiye, and Zy’Kia Sellers.
After winners were announced and all participants thanked for their great speeches, Oliva Harrell’s family members, judges, and contest participants were treated to light refreshments and a time of fellowship.  Special thanks to the P.T.O. for sponsoring this annual event.