Sagamore Hill Announces Winners of the 2008
Theodore Roosevelt Association Public Speaking Contest

The annual Theodore Roosevelt Association Public Speaking Contest, sponsored by the Friends of Sagamore Hill with the support of the New York Community Bank, held the finals for the annual competition.  Of  thirty-one semi-final contestants, nine were chosen for the finals held Thursday, April 17 at Sagamore Hill. 
           
The contest originated at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in Manhattan in1925 and the Long Island competition was added in 1994.  High school students present a five minute speech from memory on Theodore Roosevelt and the speech may be positive or negative, but must be more than a biographical sketch of the life of the 26th US President.   Contestants are judged on the originality and historical accuracy of their topic as well as the skills needed for effective speaking in public.  The top prize is $1,000 plus $200 Savings bond.

This year’s winners were Caitlin O’Neill, First Place, and Second Place, Samantha Dolley both from Wantagh High School, coached by Jennifer deLyra; Third Place went to Rohan Shah of Syosset High School, coached by Ivor Parsons.

The three winners will present their speeches at the Independence Day Celebration held at Sagamore Hill on July 4th at 2PM.  You may join us then to hear these wonderful high school students when they make their presentations.

Congratulations to these winners and their coaches !

Left to right:  Dr Ivor Parsons, Rohan Shah, Syosset HS; Caitlin O'Neill, Samantha Dolley, and Jennifer DeLyra, Wantagh HS.

This year’s winners were Caitlin O’Neill, First Place, and Second Place, Samantha Dolley both from Wantagh High School, coached by Jennifer deLyra; Third Place went to Rohan Shah of Syosset High School, coached by Ivor Parsons.