Young Men Speak On “Life Thru The Eyes Of Youth”

On Sunday, April 29th, two young men participated in the 10th Annual Oratorical Contest of SHAD Club # 62. The contest was held at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. Michael Andrew Owens. The club sponsors a contest each year designed to help young men hone their skills in research, writing and public speaking.  This year students spoke on the theme “Life Thru the Eyes of Youth”.  The contestants must research, write and deliver their own essay on that theme.  The contest was open to young males ages 14 – 18 and attending a school in our area.  Mr. Jumanni Chess took home the first place trophy and prize money of $500.00.  Mr. Malachi Davis won the 2nd place prize of $250.00.

This year the club also invited students under the age of 14 to present a speech supplied by the club.  Two students, nine year old Mr. Lamont Haynes and nine year old Mr. Jaylin Miles delivered excerpts of a speech by President Barack Obama.  President Obama had delivered this speech to students in Virginia encouraging them to take responsibility for their own education by staying in school and doing their best.

Two past winners were also featured on the program.  Mr. Jayon Dumas who won the contest in 2016 acted as Master of Ceremony.  Jayon is a student at Valley College.  Mr. Moses Carter who won the contest in 2017 presented the trophy to this year’s winner and also played a violin solo during the contest.  Mr. Carter is a senior at Kaiser High School

SHAD Club #62’s motto is “To Be Positive Role Models To Young Men In Our Area”.  The Oratorical/Essay Contest is a way of fulfilling that motto. SHAD Club # 62 continues to sponsor numerous programs for young males in our community.