Apr 14, 2021
SEARSMONT — After a one-year hiatus when students transitioned to remote learning last spring, the annual Ames School Speaking Contest is back up and running.
The community tradition has been running for almost 70 years, and after preparing for three weeks and with help from Zoom technology, the show went live Thursday, April 8.
The event began with opening remarks from Superintendent Mary Alice McLean and Principal Lori Smail expressing their great respect for the hard work students and staff engage in to showcase student learning.
Technology coordinator Tracy Hayslip created a secure YouTube livestream, allowing participants to present their work, with families and Tri-Town students cheering them on from a distance. There were even three participants who joined in from their homes.
In preparation for the event, students have been working to select, memorize and recite a selection of poetry. This year, practice has taken place in outdoor learning spaces, as students prepared for their final presentations.
While staying socially distanced, students worked to master expression, hand gestures, poise, volume and articulation, culminating in a celebration of learning event.
Judges for the contest included Mike Lawson, retired Belfast Area High School teacher, who has been associated with this event for 33 years. Assistant Superintendent Laura Miller was welcomed as a judge, with Amy Cyr, professor of English and communications at The University of Maine, joining as the third judge.
The panel of judges was thrilled with the confidence, quality and skills students showed.
The following students received honors in the competition.
4th grade honors:
1st Place: Morgan Bonin and Natalie Martz
2nd Place: Garrett Thomas
3rd Place: Audreena Blackington
Honorable Mentions: Jordan Bowles, Ari Lapierre and Adelle Robbins
5th grade honors:
1st Place: Zoey LeVesque
2nd Place: Emelia Moitoso and Jayden Zabala
3rd Place: Opal Woodbury
Honorable Mentions: Levi Marriner, Balian Mortensen and Kaleb Yates
