Legacy Academy holds speech meet competition

Legacy Academy students in kindergarten through eighth grade recently competed in the school’s third annual speech meet.

Students were challenged to memorize and deliver heartfelt recitations of classic pieces of poetry, scripture, narrative essay and fable.

“Speech meet focuses our students on the truth, goodness and beauty of words and stories that have stood the test of time,” said Karen Barbrow, head of school. “As a classical Christian school, Legacy Academy prepares its students to be effective communicators in words and in writing. Our annual competition is a culmination of the diligent work undertaken each year in the classroom.”

This year’s first-place prize went to Johnny Lester, grade six, who interpreted the narrative “The Brave 300,” which depicts the unlikely Greek win against Persia during the Greco-Persian Wars in 480 B.C. The story is included in James Baldwin’s “Fifty Famous Stories Retold.”

“Our first-place winner is a new student at Legacy Academy this year,” said Barbrow. “Johnny’s performance demonstrates our students’ commitment to challenge themselves and achieve high standards.”

Second-place winner Paige Barbrow, grade eight, chose the poem, “The Wreck of the Hesperus” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The third-place award went to Angel Clifton, grade two, who recited “George Washington and His Hatchet,” another piece from Baldwin’s collection.

Students presented their recitations for a panel of judges who command a mastery of public speaking. Serving as Legacy’s judges for the third year in a row were Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, and Indya Rennie of the Delaware Family Policy Council.

“Our judges have faithfully supported Legacy’s event, mission and vision. Their participation is invaluable as they model for our students how to communicate with composure and eloquence,” said Barbrow.

For more information, go to legacyacademyde.org.