The annual oratorical contest is sponsored by the Byrd Patterson Family Reunion in the names of the late Straywell Patterson Sr. and Annie Margaret Patterson and Cargill Consulting Group.
Purpose:
To encourage the continued development of our youth.
Who can participate?
Any member of the Byrd Patterson Family attending school (nursery school thru high school) and attending this year’s reunion.
Topics:
Topics will be chosen by the oratorical contest committee each year and will vary in topic selections. (Note: Topic this year will be the same for all age groups).
2024 Topic:
Remember when you overcame an obstacle in your life and share how you will use that experience to be successful in the future.
Guidelines – Length of Speech:
Group I: 50 Words (minimum) – ages 5 and younger
Group II: 75 Words (minimum) – ages 6 to 9
Group III: 200 Words (minimum) – ages 10 to 13
Group IV: 300 Words (minimum) – ages 14 to 17
Prizes:
Group I (ages 5 and younger): First place winner – $50.00 Savings Bond
Group II (ages 6 to 9): First place winners – $75.00 Savings Bond
Group III (ages 10 to 13): First place winner – $75.00 Savings Bond
Group IV (ages 14 to 17): First place winner – $100.00 Savings Bond
Each participant will receive a certificate.
Rules:
Each participant must memorize (and not read) his or her speech. Visual aids, posters, or costumes may be used. Each participant will present his or her speech before a group of judges on Saturday during the Family Fun Night event. There will be a minimum of three judges – all members of the Patterson Family. Judges will use rating sheets.
Contestants will be judged in three areas: content and organization, delivery and presentation, and overall effectiveness. The final score for a contestant will be comprised of each judge’s total for that contestant. All judges must follow written guidelines when rating contestants. When a decisive winner cannot be determined, judges will make the decision for a tie.
There will be first, second, and third place winners from each group (not necessarily in each age group).The first place speakers will present their speeches at the banquet. All winners will provide a copy of their speech to the Houston committee for placement in the family archives.
Oratorical contest form (next page) should be returned with registration form.