Third grade students at Stewart Heights Elementary School participated in the Olivia Harrell Public Speaking Contest on April 10, 2012. Jayne C. Lee, principal, introduced the program. She welcomed the third grade students, teachers, and family members of Olivia Harrell. Ms. Harrell was the P.T.O. president at Stewart Heights during the 1999-2000 school year. She was killed in an automobile accident during that year. Everyone at the school was saddened by her death and this contest is held each spring in her memory.

Mrs. Lee discussed contest criteria prior to introducing the judges: Phyllis Richardson, Wendy Pace, and Robin Floyd. Two students from each third classroom participated in the contest. Each contestant presented a speech on a topic of his/her choice. After each student shared their selection, the judges retired to discuss the students’ speeches while family members of Ms. Harrell shared heartfelt memories. The judges returned and presented a list of winners to Mrs. Lee.

Camryn Lindsay won first place. She presented a speech about President Obama. Camryn received a plaque, book, certificate and a $25.00 P.T.O. check. Destiny Allen won second place. She presented a speech about what she would do with a million dollars. Destiny received a plaque, book and a $15.00 P.T.O. check. Shaniya McInnis won third place. She presented a speech about what she wants to be when she grows up, which is a first grade teacher at Stewart Heights! Shaniya received a plaque, book and a $10.00 P.T.O. check. Each participant received a personalized certificate and a Charlotte’s Web hardback book. After winners were announced and all participants thanked for their great speeches, Olivia Harrell’s family members, judges, and contest participants were treated to light refreshments and a time of fellowship.