Audiences at the annual Gilbert Public Schools Oratorical Contest on Jan. 30 were in the presence of some of America’s most well-known historical figures…kind of.

Thirty-two students participated in the annual contest, representing GPS elementary and junior high schools. Each contestant memorized and recited a speech about five minutes long, on the theme of “Our American Heritage.”

Speeches could be by a well-known, notable historical figure or an original work from the student participant.

To add to their performances, many students dressed as their famous orators. While not required to compete, it was a fun addition for the students and audience alike.

Various grade levels had their own division in the competition: kindergarten-second grade, third-sixth grade, and seventh-eighth grade. Presentations were scored by a panel of judges who determined the top finalists in each division.

Kindergarten-second grade division:
First place:  Sway Vasquez - Highland Park, Martin Luther King Jr.
Second place:  Elissa Yatzil Morelos-Pina - Spectrum, Sacagawea
Third place:  Ayaansh Jha - Highland Park, Neil Armstrong

Third-sixth grade division:
First place:  Julia Fingar - Val Vista Lakes, Ruby Bridges
Second place:  Oliver Campos - Spectrum, Benjamin Franklin
Third place:  Olivia Ostermann - Finley Farms, Sacagawea
Third place:  Ruby Webb - Superstition Springs, The King of Rock and Roll

Seventh-eighth grade division:
First place: Kennedy Hoffschneider - South Valley, The Pillars of American Heritage

 The winning students from each of the three divisions will be reciting their speeches at the Feb. 25 governing board meeting.