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Thursday's Internet Edition, March 18, 2010.
Dillard Elementary holds first 'Dillard Speaks' event
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Photo by Barbara Edwards
Members of C.W. Dillard Elementary School third grade verse choir perform for their parents at the first 'Dillard Speaks' held on Feb. 11 in the school's multipurpose room.
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By Barbara Edwards
River Valley Times Reporter
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The Elk Grove Unified School District Oral Language Faire was an unfortunate casualty in the recent 2009-2010 budget cuts. However, having enjoyed a 10-year run as district champions, C.W. Dillard Elementary School decided to continue their legacy of public speaking by starting a tradition all their own with the founding of the first annual “Dillard Speaks” contest.
The finals for the event were held during the school day in the Dillard Elementary multipurpose room on Wednesday, Feb. 10 for Dillard students and staff. An evening program was held Thursday, Feb. 11 for parents of the participants.
In past years, computer resource teacher Matt Morse has been a passionate advocate of the Oral Language Faire, acting as both a coach and author of the original speeches. After receiving news of the elimination of the annual district public speaking program, Morse had planned on taking a year off to get something established regionally next year.
Things changed, however, because of the persistence of Dillard Elementary parents and students who did not want to miss a year of presentations. “I am very thankful they did this,” Morse said. “Sarah Curtis was the motivating factor in all of this. She got the ball rolling, and because of her we have 20 wonderful presentations.”
According to Curtis, she became involved when the district canceled the program. “I knew we didn’t want to lose it because of the valuable skill students learn in being able to present in front of an audience,” Curtis said.
The Dillard Speaks event followed the rules of the Oral Language Faire with students presenting in the dramatic, humorous and verse choir categories. The participants included students in grades first through sixth.
Fourth grade student Christine Jung entertained the audience with a spirited rendition of the “Slap Chop” infomercial. A dramatic presentation by third grade student Caitlyn Williams was titled “A Teaspoon of Courage.” Members of the fifth and sixth grade verse choir presented a polished speech written by Morse titled, “Dillard Speaks Out Loud,” which explained (with a humorous twist) the rules and regulations of public speaking competitions.
Morse was proud of the level of interest and effort that the students exhibited prior to their presentations. “It did not take me to make these kids get speeches,” Morse said. “It did not take me to get them to be the best they could be. In the past, I worked with basically every Dillard participant when preparing for the district Oral Language Faire. This year I worked with a verse choir that I formed, and I helped with another verse choir for a week. I also helped another little girl get ready. The rest of the students did it all on their own with the help of their parents, and there was no drop in the quality of presentations.”
Students were presented with their certificates of participation and first, second and third place medals were awarded after the showcase presentation for the parents.
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