Sophomore Is State Speech Champ
Jennifer Uche ‘22 was honored as the state co-champion in the Massachusetts Lions Youth Speech Competition.
Jenn entered the contest last fall when high school students were asked to write a speech answering the question, “What is Heroism?” She moved quickly through the first three levels of competition, winning every round even as the rules became more challenging. After the state finals were canceled due to the pandemic, she was named one of five state co-champions.
Jenn’s moving speech focused on heroes ranging from a man who saved lives on 9/11, to her own mother.
As the Medfield Patch reported, “Miss Uche’s speech grabbed the audience’s attention from the opening paragraph: ‘I think it’s time we sort the difference between heroes and some guy who did a pretty cool thing...It’s really easy to pick someone - probably someone famous - and dub them your hero.’”
In her powerful conclusion, Jenn said:
"A hero isn't a god, someone you see from your laptop screen,or some utopian idea. At least, not your hero. Your hero is on the streets. Your hero's hands aren't clean and pristine. They're grimy and dirty but always – always! – held out for you. They're among us. . . . We know what they did for us. Being a hero doesn't take some trait. Heroism is sacrifice. Heroism is empathy. Heroism is love.”
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church
