Grand Rapids Knights Of The Round Table

Every year for the last seven or eight years I have taken my students to a scholarship oratory competition sponsored by The Grand Rapids Knights Of The Round Table. Combined my students have won over $10,000. First place is $1,500, second place is $750, and third place is $250. They occasionally have given a fourth place honorable mention with $100 savings bond. This year we captured all three spots. They hold the competition at The University Club at the top of the Fifth Third Bank Building. Along with the scholarships we get a wonderful lunch and a beautiful view.

This is the excerpt from the table top notes regarding the competition:


April 19, 2008

“Round Table Oratorical Contest”

Sir Henry Smitter Presiding
Sir Henry Smitter has been organizing our annual Oratorical Contest for around 30 years. Newer Knights may not know that Sir Henry contacts all the speech teachers in area schools each year to alert them to the this contest so they can begin preparing their most proficient speakers to participate. Sir Henry arranges for qualified judges to be on hand for adjudication. Invariably the judges are attorneys from the area. The topics are chosen at the annual Round Table International Convention. This year the chosen topic was; “How do you protect young people from falling into early-age repeated use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs?”
Teacher Ms. Pamela Tow-Conley, accompanied her three student contestants from Forest Hills Central High School. Speakers draw for the order in which they speak, and use minimal notes.

Tenth grader, Andy Wirth was the first to speak. All speakers were graded on many aspects of their speech including length of time, (8-10 minutes). Andy proceeded by stressing the importance of young people being involved in worthwhile activities such as speech, debate, sports, etc. He noted that choosing friends wisely plays an important role in making good decisions. He explained is own experience in choosing a mentor to guide him in facing life’s problems and making sensible decisions.

Lauren McNabb was our second speaker. She is a senior with plans to go to college. Lauren suggested that if young people are left unsupervised bad habits can result. Kids can get involved with gangs, guns and violence. Young people need supervision and they need to stay in the “mainstream”. She, herself, said that Scouting has provided great mentors and wholesome activities for her. She compared drugs and alcohol to a virus that invades and spread. Lauren stated that “America needs leaders, and young people should become involved in leadership positions during their teen years”. Taking part in positive activities is one of the answers to the problem of alcohol and drugs among teens.

Jessica Wilson was our final speaker. Jessica is a senior who enjoys and is busy with debate, Model UN, Chamber Singers, church activities and writing. She also has plans to continue her education at college. Jessica was a contestant in our contest last year. Her well organized speech came off smoothly this year and as a result she won the contest and a $1600 scholarship.
Jessica emphasized the importance of early education and good parenting. She declared that we live in a drug oriented society, so it shouldn’t be surprising that drugs are a problem. She indicated that society in general is overindulgent which leads to many abuses. Parents should value the talents of their children and teach them to be responsible; then good decisions will be made by young people.
Lauren McNalb took second place and Andy Wirth came in third. Andy, we hope to see you back next year. All contestants won scholarship. Round Table salutes these young people as well as their teacher-coach, Pamela Tow-Conley. Thanks for participating!