The Joseph S. Rumbaugh
Historical Oration Contest
The Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest is a nationally sponsored contest designed to give high school students an opportunity to explore the influence of the Revolutionary War on present day America.
The Fairfax Resolves proudly sponsors this speech contest to provide students an opportunity to present a persuasive speech which deals with an event, personality or document pertaining to the Revolutionary War and show a relationship with America today. The contest is open to all 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students attending public, private, home, or parochial school.
Teachers and Administrators at one local high school, Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School, have maintained a commitment to developing the speaking skills of our nation's youth by encouraging students to participate in this national contest at one of several local SAR chapters. Fairfax Resolves recognizes the importance of speaking skills, and is willing to work with any student, teacher, or school interested in participating in this program.
Winners of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter contest are awarded $50 and are then eligible to compete at the State level competition where college scholarship funds are awarded. Winners of the Virginia Society contest are then eligible to compete at the National Contest, which is held at the SAR Annual Congress. The Annual Congress is held at a different location throughout the country, and winners of the State Oration Contest attend the Congress, expenses paid, to compete for additional college scholarships.
Students interested in participating in the orations contest should review the complete contest rules on the National web site and contact the President of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter.
Students participating in the Oration Contest can adjust their submission and participate in the Essay Contest as well. The opportunity to double the scholarship dollars could be well worth the effort! Both contests, essay and oration, are supported by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).
Award Winner
Kristi Bowers' opening lines captivated the audience and set the stage for her close but well earned win at the Fairfax Resolves 2010 Oration contest. Her speech, entitled “It's Only Common Sense,” went on to discuss how Thomas Paine's historic writing "was the spark that lit the fire of revolution."
Kristi Bowers is a junior at Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School, and is a student of Ms. Mary Lou Wentzel's English class. Ms. Bowers' oration was awarded $100 and a certificate, and she will represent the Chapter at the State level competition.
Oration Contest Chairman Larry McKinley speaks to the crowd about the rules of the contest.
The Falcons Landing facility provided refreshments for the evening as part of thier community outreach program. The contestents and crowd appreciated the array of cookies, coffee, and punch.
Kristi Bowers present her oration “It's Only Common Sense”.
President Jack Sweeney presents the winner of the chapter oration contest, Kristi Bowers, with a check and certificate.
All of the contestants of the contest prepare to introduce themselves to the crowd after the completion of the orations.
Update!
VASSAR Oration Contest
Congratulations Kristi! Kristi placed first in the State level oration contest and will represent Virginia in the SAR annual Congress that will be held in June in Toledo, OH.
Kristi and the other chapter oration representatives attended a special session of the VASSAR annual meeting where the State level contest was held. The candidates all demonstrated great skill, and represented their respective chapters well.
We wish Kristi luck in the national contest!
State Oration Chairman William Broadus presents Kristi Bowers with her award and $1000 check. Kristi was also awarded a medal in celebration of the Winter Olympics.
The first place winner, Kristi Bowers, participates in the group shot that includes the rest of the contestants, parents of the contestants, and the Chapter sponsors.