39th Annual Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest is Impactful

Thirty-nine years ago, a historic LFCDS tradition was born when Robbie Bermingham, a student who had been recently inflicted with Multiple Sclerosis, bravely took the stage and performed a mesmerizing speech that touched the hearts of all of those in attendance. However, it was not sympathy that drove the judges, parents, teachers, and students to a standing ovation. No, it was the recognition of a truly great speech, delivered with poise and enthusiasm, and spoken with genuine emotion. In short, the speech was real. It was not rehearsed, cut-and-dry, and without style. It was the opposite. Thirty-nine years later, the same criteria that awarded Robbie first place prize is still the driving metric of acknowledgement for today’s LFCDS’ Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest finalists. 

On Wednesday morning, that same criteria was put to the test in front of a packed Performance Arts Center at the School. This year boasted thirteen finalists, who through weeks of research, writing, and practice arose as the cream of the crop, earning the spotlight and an opportunity to take home first place. Make no mistake, the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest is a competitive tradition at LFCDS, and the finalists are those who have proved themselves as the best out of an already strong pool of public speakers. The finalists involved were Calvin Osborne, Chloe Whelan, Lily Silvester, Angelique Alexos, Scott Skinner, Luke Maggos,Foster Graf, Tyler Medvec, Charlie Shattock, Kimberly Stafford, Heather Knobel, Olivia Maggos, and Chapin Grumhaus. 

The speaking contest takes place during all four years of Upper School–Grade five through Grade eight–allowing students many opportunities for public speaking, a skill that is at the heart of the academic curriculum at LFCDS. To prepare for the event, every Upper School student must choose and research a topic of their own interest, write and revise his or her speech, and practice the speech in front of several audiences. Depending on the grade level, the students spend anywhere from two to five weeks preparing for the contest. 

In addition to learning about the process of research and finding sources, to which LFCDS librarian Marcia Banzuly is an invaluable resource, the curriculum also teaches students how to utilize proper eye contact, develop persuasive gestures, speak with poised cadence, and to balance the use of notecards with memorization. 

After weeks of preparation, the next step is for each student to give the finished version of his or her speech in front of their English teachers and peers. These competitive trials determine the finalists that will ultimately present their speeches at the official Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest. 

This year’s contest began with some opening remarks from Head of School Bob Whelan, who reemphasized how crucial effective communication is to attaining success. Whether it is delegating responsibilities in a board room, presenting novel ideas to a start-up committee, pitching a truly innovative idea to prospective investors, or interviewing for the next job, Mr. Whelan mentioned that it is essential to be able to communicate an idea effectively and persuasively. According to Mr. Whelan, the Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest highlights the tremendous communication skillsets that are on display every day in the LFCDS classrooms. 

However, Wednesday morning was not the classroom. This was the big stage, the final event. What made the thirty-ninth annual contest even more prominent was the attendance of U.S Congressman Brad Schneider. Months ago, eighth-grade student and finalist Heather Knobel began volunteer work in support of House Resolution 456 on dyslexia that Congressman Schneider will sign on to this month. Standing in front of her admirer, Heather delivered a powerful speech on overcoming the negative label of dyslexia. Following speeches breached diverse topics, ranging from “Child Soldiers” to “Community Cooperation.” 

After all thirteen finalists delivered impactful speeches that still have the LFCDS community talking; the appointed judges deliberated the winners. This year, Upper School English teachers Marcia Mann, Kim Bell, and Jessica (Hill) Zaleski decided that it would be more meaningful to announce the winner on the same day as the contest. Therefore, the judges–Jeff Bell, Head of Beacon School in Evanston, Jon Freeman, English instructor and Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residential Life at Lake Forest Academy, Derek Bagley, 2002 alum and 2002 winner of the Contest, and Marcia Banzuly, LFCDS librarian–put their heads together and decided the winners. 

When all was said and done on stage, Chloe Whelan took home first place prize, Tyler Medvec won second place, and Chapin Grumhaus and Heather Knobel tied for third place. 

Just like Robbie Bermingham, thirty-nine years before their time, this year’s finalists spoke deeply from their hearts and attached personal significance to each and every word they delivered. If ever there was an indication that Lake Forest Country Day School places an exceptional emphasis on public speaking, this year’s Robbie Bermingham Speaking Contest reaffirmed that academic mission.