13-year-old Arielle Gaskin and 15- year- old Jahvez Hamilton did the Optimist Club of Anguilla proud at the recently held District Oratorical Contest in Kingston, Jamaica. The contest, which was held at the Norman Manley School of Law on Saturday 14th April, 2012, attracted 17 contestants from Optimist clubs in Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Cayman Islands, and host country,Jamaica. After tying with another competitor for 2nd place, Arielle was edged into the third position from a field of six girls. Jahvez, however, captured 2nd place from a field of 11 boys.
Both of them delivered a speech on the topic, How My Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles. They were able to confidently demonstrate how the adoption of a positive attitude in their daily lives helps them to confront and successfully overcome obstacles that arise in their homes and at school. Accordingly, issues such as peer pressure, rejection, and challenges to their self-esteem were brought to the fore.
According to reports from Ms Michelle Queeley, Chairperson of the Oratorical Committee here in Anguilla, the two youngsters gave a stellar performance and made a brilliant show of optimism in the delivery of their speeches. She expressed satisfaction with their performance and noted that Anguilla stands to benefit from the talents of these two youngsters.
The first and second places in the female category went to Antigua and Barbados respectively while Jamaica topped in the male category. Antigua placed third.
The Optimist Club of Anguilla takes this opportunity to publicly thank Arielle and Jahvez for representing them. Gratitude is also extended to their parents and well wishers for their continued support of the club’s activities. Arielle is the daughter of Annette Duncan and Elson Gaskin while Jahvez is the son of Tracelyn and Neville Hamilton. The club also expresses appreciation to Teacher Tracelyn who accompanied Optimist Michelle to Jamaicato give added support and assistance.
– Press Release
