With the theme of "If I could change the world," 13 youngsters did what many have said is a fear bigger than death — gave a speech in public.
"This is a great step toward maturity. Public speaking is one of the most fearful things a person can do," said Richard "Rick" Thoesen moderator of the annual Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Herndon Optimist Club held last Thursday, May 9 in the Herndon Town Council chambers.
"I’d teach people to CARE — cooperate, appreciate, respect and educate," said Kelly Cotton, winner of the girls’ bracket, and a seventh grader attending St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Cotton suggested cooperation could be accomplished in a team setting, that people should appreciate others differences, respect, not fear or awe and educate by example. "I know I can change the world by heeding my own advice — one person at a time," she said.
"I would strive to create a better tomorrow," said Andrew Plofchan, winner of the boys’ bracket and another St. Joseph’s seventh grader. Plofchan used engineering metaphors by likening his better tomorrow to the construction of a building — the need for a solid foundation. Plofchan also referred to the importance of faith as he quoted both Holocaust victim Anne Frank and poet Emily Dickinson.
In winning the boys’ bracket, Plofchan edged out his older brother Thomas "Tommy" Plofchan, a St. Joseph’s eighth grader.
"If I could change the world, I would begin with myself — but I don’t know if I can," said Tommy Plofchan. "I would open my mind to new ideas — to no longer let prejudice get the best of me. I could mentor a struggling student," he said.
"I won last year and came in second this year to my younger brother. There’s a first time for everything," said the older Plofchan, with his arm around his brother after the contest.
"It’s a lot of work. I’m glad. I enjoyed it. I’m thankful for the coaching from my parents and teachers. This is something I’ll always remember," said Andrew Plofchan.
"I can’t believe it," said Cotton, following the announcement that she emerged victorious. "I really didn’t expect to win — I’m surprised. I would definitely do this again and would encourage others to do this. I’ve met other people and it really helps you to develop your skill," she said.
FINISHING SECOND in the girls’ bracket was Herndon Middle School eighth grader Awo Nur, a native of Somalia. She delivered a speech about hunger peppered with statistics to demonstrate the research she conducted.
"If I could change the world, I would stop handing these people a fish and instead, teach them to fish. I would get scientists to educate poor farmers. I would stop throwing money down a bottomless well," said Nur, as she moved from behind the podium while continuing to speak. "The pen is mightier than the dollar," she said, as she called for the education of the world farmer.
"This feels great — I’m ecstatic," said Nur. "Coming from a poor country, I have seen hunger first hand. It was great to speak about a topic I’m so passionate about."
IN HER THIRD-PLACE speech, Herndon Middle eighth grader Molly Neel talked about the importance of celebrating and enjoying people’s differences and how one’s own self esteem would be boosted by doing good for others.
"This was awesome — a fun experience," said Neel. "This was a great opportunity you can use a lot later on in life."
Richard Barry, third place finisher in the boys’ bracket, started out by saying he would change nothing at all. "We do live in a perfect world. The earth has no faults, but the people in it do. There’s so much evil in the world — people slam the door in the face of God. The world can never change, if we can never change," he said.
"This was a great experience. I did the best I know I could — that’s all that matters," said Barry, a St. Joseph’s eighth grader.