Upper School Speech Finals

On February 24, twelve Upper School Speech Finalists presented their speeches from the podium in Harris Theater. While each speech drew on the school year theme of keeping an open mind, the topics represented our community’s broad diversity of thought, experience, and perspective. From discovering an appreciation of jazz music and opening their heart to a new family member to taking on the challenge of wrestling, the speech topics were at turns thought-provoking, funny, and deeply personal. 

Starting in third grade, every Fay student writes and delivers a speech to their English class each year. In Lower School, this culminates with grade-level presentations where family and friends gather to hear the speeches. In Upper School, students are selected from each English class to move on to a semi-final round with twelve finalists ultimately chosen to give their speeches in front of the entire Upper School. The winner of the speech competition, as judged by a panel, receives the Choate Public Speaking Award at Prize Day. This year’s judges were former English Department Chair and current Director of Alumni and International Relations Dr. Paul Abeln, Dr. Rachel Lynch, Professor Emeritus at the University of Connecticut, and Boston College Professor Dr. Robert Stanton.  

Fay’s English Department Chair, Dr. Joseph Mendes, opened the event by reflecting on the event as both a celebration of Fay’s core values and the school year theme. “This year, we have asked students to consider the school year theme of keeping an open mind and how keeping one’s mind open allows for one to learn and grow in ways previously thought impossible. Today’s speeches will focus on a willingness to try something new, the ability to push through the barriers we set for ourselves, and the desire to challenge our preconceived notions.” While Fay’s focus on public speaking equips students with strong communication and composition skills, it also encourages students to use their voices with purpose. Congratulations to the twelve finalists: seventh graders Rhett H., Angela Z., and Ada M.; eighth graders Mari M., Javi T., Joe D., Tomo N., Norina G.; and ninth graders Olivia K., Amanda C., Izzy D., and Mo A.