Saturday, April 24, 2010 marked the first and the beginning of something special for Breakthrough Miami. Seven Breakthrough scholars met at the Carrollton’s performing arts center for a speech contest. The contest was a culmination of all the skills the students had learned in their Toastmasters enrichment course. Students spoke of varying topics such as the health risks of smoking cigarettes, the positive and negative effects of music, and even the controversial Senate Bill 6 which would have linked student performance to teacher’s salary.
All seven of the students were commended for their ability to organize a series of thoughts and present them in front of a sea of spectators. Sprinkled in the audience were five anonymous judges taking score. All of the judges were certified Toastmaster affiliates. Shortly after the students presented their speech it was time to give out the hardware. The second place trophy was awarded to Jamie Sanchez. Mya Wright received the 1st place trophy after delivering an endearing story titled “An Unusual Day”, about a time her family took a trip to Daytona. In the end, all of the BT scholars were winners. They each received a certificate of participation and were encouraged to continue to practice the art of public speaking.
Breakthrough Miami believes that along with being a great scholar, students should have strong social and communication skills. This is why the program has had a partnership with Toastmasters for over three years. The course conducted by Toastmasters, provides students with a stage to comfortably learn how to speak in front of people; large or small. It allows students to make mistakes and grow from them. As students understand that mistakes are part of the process they naturally become more confident with public speaking. The Breakthrough Miami program is interested in not only supporting academically motivated students, but also transforming these students to be dynamic leaders of the future.
Congratulations to all speech contestants!!!
Joshua Bonnery
Keona Reeves
Renee Russo
Jamie Sanchez
Micheal Sanchez
Khalil Wilson
Mya Wright
Webber J. Charles
Associate Site Director
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