It is said that the most common, debilitating phobia is the fear of public speaking. We also know that the ability to communicate to groups is an immense asset. Proctor's open-forum assemblies invite those willing to test public speaking skills to do so repeatedly, but those who wish to avoid the task may stay in their seats forever. In 1998, we initiated a public speaking component within the American literature curriculum, so that every sophomore crafts an integrated talk, and delivers it in the safety of the classroom. The most successful of these students become candidates for the Hays Speaking Prize. On Monday evening, in front of approximately two hundred peers, teachers and a panel of judges, seven students delivered tightly crafted speeches. They did so with poise and confidence.

After an introductory welcome by American literature teacher Pete Southworth, Kristen Turpin explored our acceptance of diversity, noting that by celebrating differences in others, we invite acceptance of ourselves.

Next, Robert Baxter took us on a philosophical tour of individual happiness, and the qualities (such as spontaneity and openness to discovery) that contribute to it.

Next, Danny Loehr stepped in front of the lecturn and presented a whimsical analysis of personal ethics illustrated by everyday experiences in his life.

J.J. Rice then delivered "Remember the Past," an eloquent, powerful call for us keep the crimes of the Holocaust in our minds, as we fight anti-Semitism today.

Alison Brown followed with a well-integrated speech, beginning with the comic strip character "BC" observing the "Poetry is prose with attitude," and advocating life-long education--with attitude.

Nick Aiken then presented his argument that financial incentives or penalties be used to advance voter participation in the United States (as it is employed, successfully, in Australia.)

Finally, Olivia Shure explored our tendency to stereotype peers as preps, jocks, eco-kids, drama kids, etc. in ways that pull us away from reality. Olivia ended with this charming observation by one of the great wordsmiths of the 20th Century, Theodor Geisel, known as Dr. Suess: "Be who you are, and say what you want, because those who matter don't mind, and those who mind, don't matter."

A common theme expressed in student speeches is the danger of over-generalizing and stereotyping. Certainly, these seven sophomores proved that the fear of public speaking is hardly universal or debilitating. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this successful event!