High schools students from the tri-state area will compete for nearly $20,000 in prize money in the Guarini Center for Governmental Affairs Fifth Annual Oratorical Contest at Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City on Saturday, April 22, 2006.
“The contest provides an excellent forum for students to fine-tune their public speaking skills in a competitive forum,” said Dr. Ken Mitchell, a political science professor at Saint Peter’s College and executive director of the Guarini Center. “The number of contestants has increased each year, and I urge all interested students to register as soon as possible.”
Students will deliver speeches up to ten minutes on the following topic: “What American Leader Has Made the Greatest Contribution to Our Nation?” The contest typically attracts more than 100 students from 75 high schools in New Jersey, New York and other states.
The event is free and open to all high school students. Members of the general public may also attend. There is no registration fee or limit on the number of students that may participate in the contest from a particular school. Participants will be judged on content, originality and delivery. For contest rules, event schedule and to register, please visit the Guarini Center’s website or call 201-915-9243. The registration deadline is April 7, 2006.
Established in 1994 by former New Jersey Congressman Frank Guarini, the Guarini Center aims to provide a non-partisan forum for discussion and analysis of key public policy issues and to encourage careers in public service among today’s students. In addition to the oratorical contest, the Guarini Center also sponsors an ongoing lecture series at Saint Peter’s College.
Saint Peter’s College is the Jesuit College of New Jersey. Founded in 1872, Saint Peter’s has an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus is located in Jersey City. The College has a branch campus for adults in Englewood Cliffs, NJ and also offers courses at various corporate sites at the Jersey City waterfront and in South Amboy, NJ.