In November 2013, Thompson successfully competed in the preliminary round, which enabled him to advance into the final competition.
The contest was held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Faith Congregational Church in Hartford, Connecticut. Thompson won a $1,200 U.S. savings bond for delivering an outstanding speech. He was also the youngest orator amongst the panel of participants.
A packed sanctuary of family, friends, parishioners, and well-wishers listened intently as Thompson delivered a riveting speech on the impact of "Gun Violence in the classroom."
At one point in his speech Thompson lowered his husky voice and powerfully stated, "Imagine for one second, little children as young three and five-years-old crouched down in a bathroom, a closet or under a desk all so quietly still - not making one sound because it could mean the difference between life or death?"
As Thompson continued to speak, a gasping reaction could be heard throughout the audience; coupled with thunderous applause and shouts of, "Amen young man."
Although each of the orators had to deliver a speech five to ten minutes in length on the same topic; each speech was uniquely different and eloquently stated. Indeed, it was a very competitive and intense competition. It was awe inspiring to hear all of the candidates' brilliant speeches.
"Wow! We were very proud to hear on Monday that Evan had ranked near the top in the competition! Prior to the speech on Saturday, that Friday afternoon during dismissal time, we prayed for Evan in the auditorium and wished him well," commented Principal Shevon Hickey.
Hickey continued, "Evan's accomplishment is another student success story for Saint Brigid School!"
Over the last five years, Thompson competed and ranked in various public speaking contests. He has also been a speaker at various church and civic organizations.
Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was the first Greek organization established at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York in 1904, for African American men and people of color around the world.
Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity has a legacy of distinguished men of noted accomplishments from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, to renowned writer, historian, and civil rights activist, W.E.B. DuBois; Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.; former Massachusetts Senator and Attorney General, Edward Brooke; former Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, former U.S. Ambassador, Congressman, and Mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Young; former Congressional House Majority Whip, William Gray; and many, many others.
Saint Brigid School is proud to celebrate over 50 years of strong academics, Catholic values and enriched cultural diversity. SBS is a full-time faith based educational program committed to educating the needs of students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. St. Brigid is located at 100 Mayflower Street in West Hartford, Connecticut. For enrollment information or to arrange a tour call: (860) 561-2130, ext. 104, or visit us at www.saintbrigidschool.org.
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