ORATORICAL CONTEST 2005

Oratorical Contest 

Winners!

May 7, 2005

Congratulations to ALL of our winners... from the local contests as well as the state contest.  We are so proud of your accomplishments!  Thank you for your willingness to be a voice that is right when the world is wrong.  May this be just the beginning...

4th Place (tie): 

Brian Bligh is a 16-year-old senior from Oakdale.  He attends Connetquot High School.  He is a Senator of his class, a youth leader at his youth group and a natural helper at school.  Brian also teaches fifth grade religion class at church.  Brian hopes to attend the University of Notre Dame and would like to major in psychology and minor in political science.

Triana M. Urraca is a 17-year-old senior from the Bronx. She attends Cardinal Spellman High School.  She serves as President of the Pro-Life Club at her school and has been a member for three years.  Triana participates in a number of pro-life activities, including the annual March for Life in Washington, DC, visiting terminal cancer patients in Rosary Hill Cancer Home and holding a baby shower for the residents of the Good Council Home.  Triana will attend New York University in the fall where she will major in psychology and computer science.

3rd Place:

Abbey Vanderhoof is a 16-year-old junior from Verona.  She attends Holy Cross Academy.  She is involved in drama and chorus.  Abby plays on an AYSO soccer league and has her own gymnastics program at the YMCA.  She works as a waitress.  Abby’s interests include reading, exercising, taking vacations and hanging out with her family.  Abby plans to go to a conservative Catholic college to become a nurse.

2nd Place:

Kevin Kozlowski is a 17-year-old senior from Brooklyn.  He attends Cathedral Preparatory High School.  He’s attended Cathedral Preparatory for four years on a full scholarship.  Kevin is the School President of Student Council, is involved in sports, is in the National Honors Society and is involved in speech and debate.  He does extemporaneous speaking and has been both a New York State and national finalist.  Kevin will attend The George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Relations in Washington, DC and will major in International Affairs with a concentration in Conflict and Security.      

1st Place:

Alyssa Rizzo is an 18-year-old senior from Schenectady. She attends Schenectady Christian School.  In addition to a passion for the unborn, the Lord has given Alyssa a love for music.  Alyssa began studying piano at age four and percussion at age eight and has participated in the New York State Youth Percussion Ensemble.  She also enjoys singing and has starred in several high school plays, including “Annie”, in which she played Annie.  Alyssa is involved in Key Club, the band, choir and the Chapel Worship Team at her school.  She also sponsors an orphan in South Africa.  She enjoys bike riding, running, reading, songwriting.  Alyssa will attend Nyack College in the fall and will receive a $40,000 scholarship.  She will study Music Performance and Music Education and hopes to pursue a career as a Chrstian recording artist or worship leader.