Celebrating Excellence: Highlights from the 44th Annual Recitation Contest

The first-place winner of the 44th Annual Michael C. Leuthe Recitation Contest on Monday, March 17, was Blair C. ‘28, who excelled with “The Speech to the Troops at Tilbury” by Queen Elizabeth I of England. Lucy H. ‘25 recited Greta Thunberg’s September 23, 2019 United Nations’ “How Dare You” speech and tied for second place with Frances Gray F. ‘27 who shared Shirley Chisholm’s May 21, 1969 speech to Congress.  And, with a performance of “A Child’s Calendar” by John Updike, Eli C. '25 placed third.

During the contest, members of the audience—students, families, faculty, and staff—were moved by the competitive performances of students in Grades 5 to 8. Judges Kit Ballenger, Bill Booker, and Anne Yockel, all parents of past Recitation Contest winners, remarked how enjoyable it was to listen to and score the powerful performances.

Librarians Ms. Felton and Ms. Rosenberg expressed their excitement that another successful competition has strengthened the love and support the St. Patrick's community has for literature and public speaking. Congratulations to Blair C., Lucy H., Frances Gray F., Eli C., and all of the finalists and alternates for their hard work!