When it comes to being tolerant, Katelyn Shipp, from Norris Middle School proved she is heading down the right path — at the very least the path that led to winning the 55th annual Henry Greve Speech Contest March 26 at University Square in Bakersfield. Shipp’s speech heavily focused on not forcing beliefs or opinions on others and allowing everyone to follow their own. It was the judges’ choice as the best interpretation of the contest topic “Why is it Important to be Tolerant?” Shipp, who failed to get past the school level contest last year, made the ultimate turnaround, surviving challenges at the school, district and regional levels to place first among the 10 most persuasive Kern County seventh and eighth-graders who made it to this year’s final. She received a trophy and a perpetual plaque, bearing her name, which will be displayed at Norris Middle School for one year. Actis Jr. High student Seth Wasylyszyn finished second, and Amisha Shukla from Warren Jr. High was third. Each had to write and deliver an original four to seven-minute speech.