Kern County middle and junior high school students gave rousing speeches in the 70th annual Henry Greve Speech Contest Thursday evening. The competing students had between four-and-a-half and seven minutes to persuade the judges with their speech on the topic: “The Influences of Media on Today’s Youth.”
“I feel great. I was surprised because there are a lot of great speakers here today,” said eighth grader and first-place winner Koumba Cariño Diallo.
The competition, sponsored by Bakersfield Toastmasters “Golden Empire” Club No. 270 and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office, awarded trophies to the first, second, and third place finishers. The champion’s perpetual trophy goes on display at the winner’s school for one year. Diallo says she’s happy to bring the trophy home to La Viña Middle School in Delano.
“I’m really happy that my school gets to keep that trophy, and I’m glad that I get to take this one home,” she said, gesturing to her own trophy.
Each of the participants competed in classroom, school, and district speech contests to qualify for this county championship event. Their performances were judged on oratorical development, effectiveness, language, and physical presentation. Diallo says preparing for and competing in this contest has helped her in her classes and with her writing and public speaking skills.
“I used to be really nervous, and my biggest fear is probably public speaking. This has helped me get over it,” she said.
The contest is named in memory of Henry Greve Jr., a former KCSOS speech and language therapist. He was the past president of the Toastmasters Club and was responsible for forming Junior Toastmasters Clubs in area schools.
Diallo says she recommends that anyone interested in leadership, communication, or public speaking give the contest a try.
“I enjoyed seeing different people’s points of view. It’s great seeing other people speak,” she said. “I had a lot of fun, and I would recommend it to other people.”
Congratulations to all participants. This year’s top three contestants were:
1st — Koumba Cariño Diallo
2nd — Yayry Gomez
3rd — Valentina Gutierrez
First, Second, and Third place winners from left to right: Koumba Carino Diallo, Yayry Gomez, and Valentina Gutierrez.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.