Imagine a competitive, rigorous, but constructive reading competition meant to build up a person’s skills and public performance – an event that could earn them thousands of dollars in scholarship money. This is the perfect thing to add to a college transcript.
The Stark Reading Contest is an event that involves both declamation and interpretive reading and gives scholarships to the participants based on both their performance and skill. The Contest’s finals were on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in the library. The county finals were Tuesday, Feb. 3 in the Lutcher Theatre. The two students that advanced were juniors Arden Robison and Brinley Anthony.
According to Robison, students can choose between selected pieces in either declamation or interpretative reading. After they pick, they select what art or section, read and edit it. Competitors do this many times until they have the best possible story.
“You read over a passage that you pick,” Anthony said. “To prepare, you read it over and over again.”
Both Anthony and Robison advanced; they will compete against other students around Orange County for the chance to win a huge scholarship.
“As this is my first year participating, I was not expecting much, but with hard work and lots of help, I am having an amazing opportunity to compete against other students,” Robison said.
The Stark Reading Contest is an event that many recommend. Students can earn hefty scholarships, develop good reading and public speaking skills, and make connections with people around the community.
“My favorite thing about the contest was getting to pick and read a 1950’s political peace that I feel deeply passionate about,” Robison said.
Although the Stark Reading Contest is a good opportunity, it takes a lot of time away from students, and requires a lot of effort and focus to get everything perfect.
“I am so grateful for my family, friends, school staff, and just everyone who helped me!” Robison said. “I cannot wait to compete at this next level and represent our school! I also placed first here at LCM and won a $2,500 scholarship! Only first place gets to advance.”
