Campolindo students convened for the 85th annual ‘Student Speakers Contest’ at Moraga Library on February 1. The theme of the contest had 1 leading question: “How can kindness reunite our country?”

Librarian Sarah Morgan described this year’s prompt as “something equally powerful, fun, and clever,” and the original and inspirational elements of each participant’s speech did not disappoint.

The speech contest is sponsored by Campolindo’s International Leo Club, dedicated to practicing community service and other forms of assisting underprivileged individuals. It is advised by Morgan, and any Campo student can join the club.

Each participant in the contest is required to write a brief piece that takes around 5-10 minutes to perform. Then, contestants speak in front of a group of judges who decide the winner based on their confidence, articulation, and the ability to develop a connection to the audience.

The contest offers participants, such as freshman Olivia Bersot, the opportunity to practice public speaking and expressing themselves in front of a crowd. Bersot explained, “Getting out there and writing something that means a lot to me was an amazing experience.” Bersot opposed Miramonte senior Thomas Quinnild in the contest.

To prepare, Bersot focused on “work[ing] out how [she] would walk, talk, and appear presentable before the audience.” Although Bersot didn’t win the entire competition, she still received $50 just for participating. However, the winner receives the chance to compete at a higher level, in addition to a cash prize.

“I can do it for all the other years of my high school career,” Bersot said. The Leo Club and the speech contest is a great opportunity for underclassmen to get involved in Campo culture and develop a sense of belonging with other students who share similar passions and interests.

Morgan was very “impressed with the intelligence and creativity” of every student’s speech. The contest comes back around annually, and Campo encourages more students to take part in the future.