By Erin Ratigan/reporter
Six students received awards as finalists in the NE Speech Tournament Nov. 14, which gave students a chance to showcase their oratory skills.
The women came out on top, taking home first-, second- and third-place trophies. The remaining participants received honorable mentions.
Breanna Bearden won first place with her presentation on dressage. She explained the history of the sport and listed the most popular breeds of horses.
She described it as a sport with no locker room speeches, saying that while no words are exchanged between players, it is still a team sport.
Second place went to Kaitlin Fracassi, who discussed the life and legacy of reality TV star Honey Boo Boo. Fracassi said that reality television is her guilty pleasure and that her fascination with Honey Boo Boo’s show was inevitable.
Her conclusion referenced Honey Boo Boo’s most famous quote:
“Remember, if you see Alana [Honey Boo Boo] in the street, give her a dollar ‘cause it’ll make her holler.”
In third place was Raquel Villezcas, whose presentation focused on the physical and psychological effects of dementia.
Villezcas began her presentation with the story of her grandmother’s death, saying she was glad her grandmother could recognize her loved ones before she died.
Villezcas described the symptoms of dementia, saying it not only robs individuals of their memories but of their physical strength as well.
“Unless you know what it’s like to live with dementia, you don’t truly understand it,” Villezcas said.
Daniel Sheridan, one of the honorable mention recipients, covered Internet memes. While focusing on memes, he also discussed popular websites for viewing them.
“Judges, look at your colleagues. Now back at me. Look down. Back up. Where are you? You’re in a room with a young man who knows his memes,” Sheridan concluded.
Organized by speech instructor Debi Blankenship, the tournament was part of an entire evening dedicated to speech and communication.
Shortly after the tournament, a performance courtesy of the Forensic Club and its adviser Justin Blacklock featured members of the NE Debate Team performing oral interpretations of literature, persuasive speeches and impromptu speeches.
