Sunshine City Elks Lodge #255 Annual Oratorical Contest

ST. PETERSBURG – The local Elks Department of Education recently sponsored its 2016 Oratorical Contest, which is an International Elks Oratorical Competition that is conducted annually in the areas of our Elk Lodges & Temples, Districts, State Association, Regions and Grand Lodge Convention for all high school juniors and seniors.

Contestants chose one of five oratorical topics.  This year there were three contestants who presented dynamic speeches on national security and bullying.  Each student presented an 8-10 minute memorized oration presented to an audience of family, friends and judges.

2016 Winners

• Ms. Vivica Roberson: Winner $200.00 (12th Grade)
• Mr. Eric Vincent: 2nd Place $150.00 (11th Grade)
• Mr. Calvin McClavin: 3rd Place $100.00 (11th Grade)

The first place winner will advance to the State Association Contest (district level) to compete for a $1,500 prize.  The winner of the district contest will advance to the state, regional and national levels.  The awards were made possible through a Community Assistance Award (mini-grant) from the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® PST Fred Randle and PGDR Lucille Williams served as the Elks Education Director and Directress.

About Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World Education Department

The mission of the Education Department is to encourage and assist the youth of our society to reach their fullest educational potential, and to uphold and support the Constitution of the Grand Lodge Education Department.  We are to cultivate the best in ourselves and others by providing encouragement, direction and assistance to youth through collective educational, cultural and training activities. We are to assist in building self-esteem, character development and to provide motivation for our youth.  For more information call Fred Randle, Exalted Ruler at (727) 898-0356.