Theodore Roosevelt Association Public Speaking Contest highlights best, brightest NYC high school students

On April 18, Michael Miscone, Borough of Manhattan Historian; Daniel Prebutt, Manhattan Sites Curator;  Robert Friedman, Theodore Roosevelt Association Trustee;  Andrew Roosevelt, Roosevelt Family Descendant; Professor Howard Ehrlich, St. John's University & speaking contest winner Adia Clarke.

Photo by Miller Bradford, SCA Intern, National Parks of New York Harbor Communications Office

On Thursday, April 18, nine New York City high school students (one 9th grader; four 11th graders; and four 12th graders) gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in New York City to show-off their oratory and presentation skills during the finals of the 2019 Theodore Roosevelt Association Public Speaking Contest.

Theodore Roosevelt believed in working hard, in persevering in the face of defeat, and in pushing to do better and strive harder to accomplish one’s goals. He also believed in developing young people, in challenging them to achieve as much as possible, and in recognizing their accomplishments.

In that spirit, the Theodore Roosevelt Association created Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contests, which challenge high school students to develop and give original five-minute speeches on TR’s life and legacy. The Contests build on students’ public speaking, critical thinking and independent research skills, thereby enhancing their academic potential and scholarship, confidence, self-reliance, and leadership abilities.

First place honors went to 12th Grader Adia Clarke of Achievement First High School, who took home a $5,000 scholarship. 2nd Place Winner Shelly Polanco of Beacon High School and 3rd Place Winner Kuangye Wang of High School of American Studies, collected $3,000 and $1,000 respectively.