Wildwood Student Wins State Oratorical Competition

Adam Ward of Big Canoe Takes Top Honor

By: Melissa Lowrie

Wildwood Christian Academy 6th grade student, Adam Ward, took first place honors May 1st at the Georgia State Optimist International Oratorical Contest, held in Warner Robbins. Four other finalists from around the state arrived at the competition having won first place in each of their preceding three rounds. Thousands of middle school students compete in this contest every year for the opportunity to win one of two $2,500 scholarships. The top prizes are awarded to the 1st place boy and the 1st place girl in the state. The topic this year was: "Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?"

Adam started with a school competition held at Wildwood Christian Academy, then advanced to a local Optimist Club competition in Jasper. The next competition was the Area level in Rome, held on March 27th, to qualify for the final round determining the State winners.  Head of School Lyn Cates stated, “We are so proud of Adam and the talent he displayed to win the Georgia State Optimist International Oratorical Contest. He is an outstanding student and an exemplary representative of Wildwood.”

Congratulations Adam!