Lake Forest Country Day School Hosts 50th Annual Speaking Contest

On Wednesday, April 29, Lake Forest Country Day School hosted its 50th annual speaking contest. According to the Upper School English teachers, this year’s speeches were so strong across the board that it made for the single toughest decision for finalist admittance in recent memory.

The finalists and their speech themes, in sequential order, were as follows: Tyler Medvec (The Power of Sport); Nicole Tong (Introverts)—Second Place; Georgia O’Neil (Circus Animals—cruel treatment); Obi Okoli (Robots); Gabbie Jakubowski (Lunch); Kate Danaher (Embracing Failure); Chloe Whelan (Decisions)—Third Place; Luke Maggos (Heroes); Foster Graf (Integrity); Naomi Fleisch (Title Nine); Jake Putzel (Gun Control); Angelique Alexos (Competition)—First Place.

For ten years, the speaking contest was known under a different name; however, forty-years ago, a historic LFCDS tradition was born when Robbie Bermingham, a student who had been recently inflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, bravely took the stage and performed a speech that touched the hearts of all of those in attendance.

It was not sympathy that drove the judges, parents, teachers, and students to a standing ovation. It was simply the eloquence and enthusiasm with which he delivered his excellent speech. Forty years later, the same criteria that awarded Robbie first place prize is still the driving metric of acknowledgement for today’s LFCDS’ Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest finalists.

On Wednesday morning, that same criteria was put to the test in front of a packed PAC at the School. This year boasted twelve finalists, who through weeks of research, writing, and practice arose as the cream of the crop, earning the spotlight and an opportunity to take home first place.

This is high praise, especially since this year’s trials were so competitive and full of outstanding speeches. Make no mistake, the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest is a competitive tradition at LFCDS, and the finalists are those who have proven themselves as the best out of an already strong pool of public speakers.

After weeks of preparation, this year’s contest began with some opening remarks from Head of School Bob Whelan, who reemphasized how crucial effective communication is to attaining success. Whether it is delegating responsibilities in a board room, presenting novel ideas to a start-up committee, pitching a truly innovative idea to prospective investors, or interviewing for the next job, Mr. Whelan mentioned that it is essential to be able to communicate an idea effectively and persuasively. According to Mr. Whelan, the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest highlights the tremendous communication skill sets that are on display every day in the LFCDS classrooms.

However, Wednesday morning’s speeches were not conducted in the classroom. This was the big stage, the final event.

After all twelve finalists delivered impactful speeches that still have the LFCDS community talking; the appointed judges deliberated the winners. This year, Upper School English teachers Marcia Mann, Kim Bell, Jessica (Hill) Zaleski, and Ben Haight turned the contest over to the judges.

Several LFCDS faculty and staff members assisted with the contest judging as well as members of the Lake Forest community and beyond. This year’s judges included LFCDS librarian Marcia Banzuly, Derek Bagley, who graduated in 2002 and won the contest, John Freeman, Director of Residential Life and an AP English instructor at Lake Forest Academy, and Tracy Hindman, Associate Pastor at Union Church in Lake Bluff.

Just like Robbie Bermingham, forty years before their time, this year’s finalists spoke deeply from their hearts and attached personal significance to each and every word they delivered. If ever there was an indication that Lake Forest Country Day School places an exceptional emphasis on public speaking, this year’s Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest reaffirmed that academic mission.