Henry Greve Speech Contest Results

Thirteen Kern County 7th and 8th graders answered the question “What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in a Global Society?” during the 65th annual Henry Greve Speech Contest, which was held on March 14 in downtown Bakersfield.

Each of the competing students had between four-and-a-half and seven minutes to convince the judges with their persuasive speeches.

The competition, sponsored by Bakersfield Toastmasters “Golden Empire” Club No. 270 and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office, awarded trophies to first, second and third place finishers. The champion’s perpetual trophy goes on display at the winner’s school for one year.

Each of the participants competed in classroom, school and district speech contests to qualify for the county championship. Their performances were judged on oratorical development, effectiveness, language and physical presentation.

The contest is named in memory of Henry Greve Jr., a KCSOS speech and language therapist. He was past president of the Toastmasters Club and responsible for forming Junior Toastmasters Clubs in area schools.

This year’s top three participates were:
1st — Jessika Hunter / Leon Ollivier Middle School
2nd — Sanjna Mizar / Earl Warren Junior High School
3rd — Vaishvi Joshi / Fruitvale Junior High School