Congratulations to the Winners of the 2024 Martin and Patrick O’Donoghue Oratorical Contest

 

Each grade level is given a different prompt -- moving from reciting excerpts from a book or poem during freshman year to writing and delivering an original speech as upperclassmen. Finalists give their speeches in Sheehy Theater in front of all of their classmates, as well as a panel of faculty judges. 

 

Junior Matt Podratsky '25 won for the junior class this year with a speech that he wrote about why a class on CPR should be a part of every school's curriculum. "Giving my speech in front of that many people was really fun," he said about competing in the finals. "When you are talking about something you really care about, public speaking comes much easier." 

 

This year's contest -- the 44th annual -- was organized by English Teacher Mr. Patrick Welch. "The English Department ought to help students develop their skills in all forms of language: reading, writing, and the oldest form of all--speaking," says Mr. Welch. "At the very least, hopefully our students will fear public speaking less. After all, it's far less dangerous than texting on the highway!"

Congratulations to the following winners of this year's contest.

 

Class of 2024
First Place: Mikey Settles
Second Place: Charles Slusher

 

First Place: Matt Podratsky
Second Place: Max Dunn

Third Place: Jonathan Watson

Honorable Mention: Michael Bicksel

 

Class of 2026
First Place: David Angus

Second Place: Nathaniel Ezra

Third Place: Percy Bruneau

Honorable Mention: Diego Velasquez

 

Class of 2027
First Place: Edward Guerra

Second Place: Drew Dunlap

Third Place: Andrew Castleyn

Honorable Mention: David Curry