Greve speeches spark emotions

greve031: Greve speeches spark emotionsSeveral similarities surfaced during the 49th annual Henry Greve Speech Contest held in Bakersfield’s University Square on March 6. Among the 11 Kern County junior high and middle school student speeches there were four references to Elian Gonzalez, two about the late crew of the Columbia space shuttle, four students used note cards and seven did not.

But only one speaker could tie his good fortune in America to the realized dreams of a Greek sheepherder. Citing his Greek-born great grandfather as his inspiration, Earl Warren Junior High student Guy Rodgers gave the winning performance. The contest’s theme was “Is America Still the Land of Opportunity,” and Rodgers told how his great grandfather migrated to America to become a prosperous farmer and grocer which inspired his seven children to become equally successful.

Rodgers struck an emotional chord with the audience near the end of his speech when he said, “Throughout America’s history, and continuing to this day, we have demanded that a clock maker from Germany, a royal prince from Zaire and a student from Korea, or even a poor immigrant farm worker, coming illegally across the border, all have the same opportunity to succeed as that young shepherd boy from Greece, who was my great grandfather.”

Rodgers, who said he would like to be a lawyer one day, received a plaque and the perpetual trophy from last year’s winner Liliana Pinault, which will bear his name and be on display at Earl Warren Junior High for one year. Our Lady of Perpetual Help student Lauren Stoker finished second, and Jason Gomez from Fairfax School was third. Stoker’s presentation was charged with emotion using excerpts from abolitionist/author Harriet Tubman to underscore how Americans have overcome prejudice to succeed.

Gomez, as was the case with Rodgers, made frequent references to how a relative survived obstacles in America. In his case, it was his father who migrated from El Salvador. As Gomez told the audience, “If my father had not taken that opportunity (to come to America), I wouldn’t be able to share this speech with you.”

Just to make it to the finals, the 11 contestants had to successfully survive challenges at the school, district and regional levels. Three said they would like to be lawyers one day, two preferred acting, yet others eyed professions as doctors, zoologists, historians, engineers and there was even an undecided.

While the speeches were serious, the students proved they had plenty of dramatic talent beyond their presentations. As she was accepting a participation certificate from Toastmaster Stan Shires, Stiern Middle School’s Teresa Teixeira feigned an emotional breakdown complete with fake tears and Academy Award-like praises for just about everyone. “...And, I’d like to thank my mother for having me, ” said Teixeira to howls of laughter from the audience. By the way, Teixeira said she doesn’t want to be an actress. She would prefer to be a veterinarian.

Though the competition has been around since 1955, it was named the Henry Greve Speech Contest in1963 by Bakersfield Toastmasters Club #270 in memory of county speech therapist Henry Greve. Greve actively supported boys and girls oral language activities.

The annual competition is sponsored by both Bakersfield Toastmasters Club #270 and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office.

2003 Henry Greve Speech Contest Speakers:

Matthew Prewitt - Fruitvale Junior High
Jason Gomez - Fairfax School
Brittany Nowak - Stiern Middle
Devin O’Neal - Curran Middle
Marcus Moreno - Stiern Middle
Teresa Teixeira - Stiern Middle
Neil Mathur - Warren Junior High
Guy Rodgers - Warren Junior High
Alysia Wyatt - Ollivier Middle
Lauren Stoker - Our Lady of Perpetual Help
James Pearson - Lincoln Junior High (Taft)
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