LEC’s Middle School Girls Compete in Public Speaking Contest

“Looks are deceiving, but we are taught to accept things at face value. What you see is what you get; no questions asked. It’s a saying, so it must be true. I wonder why then, I have met so many in my life who tell another story.”

And so began the speech of 8th grader Anya Halberstam, champion of Lubavitch Educational Center — Girls Middle School’s Persuasive Public Speaking competition. She was one of eleven finalists who chose a topic from a given list and presented 3-minute speeches to their classes and grades.

The final round saw the girls present their speeches to the entire division to be judged by Mrs. Nomi Yerushalmy, Elementary Girls’ General Studies Principal, Naomi Selwyn, Beis Chana High School’s General Studies Principal, and Chani Negin, curriculum director. Second and third place winners are Simi Sossonko, 7th grade, and Faye Bialo, 6th grade, respectively.

“We were blown away by the sophistication of the speeches and their confident delivery,” said coordinator Mrs. Sarah Benisty. “It was very difficult to choose winners,” added Principal Mrs. Tzippy Dalfin.

“The Rebbe empowered us to be leaders and shluchos,” said Principal Mrs. Shevi Sossonko, “to make an impact on this world. This competition will give our students the strength, skills, and confidence to do just that.”