Two Plant City High School students took top honors in the Plant City Optimist Club Oratorical Contest Monday, Feb. 20.
Katelyn Yarbrough and Gresham Stephens both took first place in their respective categories. Both students will advance to the next level of competition Monday, March 27, in Mulberry. There, they will compete against the top finishers from Lakeland and Winter Haven.
The theme of this year’s contest was ‘What the World Gains from Optimism.’ Students presented four- to five-minute orations. Students were judged on poise, speech content, delivery and presentation and overall effectiveness.
“The Oratorical Contest helps our youth develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills that helps them as they move into the adult world,” Jack Holland, president of the Optimist Club, said.
Girls Winners
First: Katelyn Yarbrough
Second: MacKenszie Edgemon
Third: Annalise Gonzalez
Boys Winners
First: Gresham Stephens
Second: Uriel Abarca-Vargas
Third: Daniel Bustamante
Honorable Mention: Raymond Iles