Fifth Graders Present Compelling Speeches

2/28/2020

“How can I help?” This was the question that fifth grade students answered on Friday, February 21, when each student stood before an audience in Doc Wilson Hall and presented on a well-researched topic.

From animal abuse and LGBTQ+ rights to global warming, racism and gender stereotypes, each student took three to five minutes to present a compelling case, not just for why people should care about these issues, but how they can make a positive difference.

“I am beyond impressed with the hard work that the fifth graders put into researching, writing and presenting their own original speeches,” fifth grade teacher Michaela Boller said. “Their speeches serve as a testament to being a power for good in the world!”

The speeches were part of the grade’s class on public speaking, where they learn to conduct research, cite sources, write and edit drafts, and practice important speech etiquettes such as stance, pace, articulation, tone and eye contact.