On Feb. 7, six Waterville Central School District students participated in the Optimist Oratorical contest, hosted by the Brothertown Optimist Club.
The students gave four-to-five minute speeches about “How to Change the World with Optimism” at a town hall during an Optimist Club meeting.
Senior Hanley Poyer placed first and eighth grader Jaelyn Northrup placed second. Both students will participate in the regional contest in March.
Eighth grader Hailey Keith placed third. The other students who participated included eighth graders Adalaide Ruane, Samantha Cook, and Alexis Wagner.
The contest was open to all Waterville students under the age of 19.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for these ladies to practice their public speaking in an authentic way, and a fun experience was had by all. I’m so proud of them, “ said English teacher Elizabeth Brennan.
Any students interested in participating in next year’s contest should contact Mrs. Brennan or listen for announcements about it next January.