Oakwood High School Students take top awards and 2023 Rotary of Morgan Hill Speech Contest

Congratulations to Oakwood High School students Kiera Gallagher and Yozer Wang for their outstanding performances in the 2023 Rotary Club of Morgan Hill Speech Contest. Kiera Gallagher, a sophomore, took home first place with her thought-provoking speech on "Opportunity," while Yozer Wang, also a sophomore, received second place for his inspiring speech titled "Knowledge is Power."

Kiera's speech focused on the wealth disparity that exists between lower and middle-class teenagers and how we can bridge this gap. She eloquently highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities to all teens, regardless of their socio-economic status, and emphasized the role of education and community support in achieving this goal.

Yozer's speech centered on the significance of knowledge and education in creating a more diverse, inclusive, and peaceful world. He emphasized that having a heightened awareness of the world around us can help us to better understand and appreciate different cultures and perspectives, which, in turn, can promote greater tolerance and understanding.

Kiera and Yozer demonstrated exceptional public speaking skills, attributed to their experience in their school's speech and debate class. Kiera expressed her love for the dynamic and supportive environment created by her teacher, Mrs. Blanchard, and how participating in the competition allowed her to step out of her comfort zone. Yozer, who used to be terrified of public speaking, now enjoys it and loves the experience of writing and presenting a speech.

The Rotary Club of Morgan Hill Speech Contest is a fantastic opportunity for students to hone their public speaking skills and showcase their talents. The competition provides a platform for students to express their opinions, share their ideas, and engage with their peers and community. We applaud Kiera and Yozer for their outstanding performances and look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented young speakers.