It was a rainy Sabbath afternoon on April 5, 2025 but that did not deter the courageous contestants of the Oratorical & Speech Contest sponsored by The Edward D. Herndon Legacy Foundation, Inc. The anxious participants, four high school students, along with friends, family and other well-wishers, took their seats at the Berea Nyack Seventh-day Adventist Church. The students, ranging in age from 15 to 17, awaited the 5:30pm start time to showcase the speaking skills that they had practiced and honed for about a month, which was no easy task considering that the parameters of the contest were clear – recite from memory an original speech without notes or props for 10-15 minutes.
The first contestant, Swann Barrett, a freshman, took her place on the stage and delivered a speech about social justice, using her own family’s immigrant experience as a springboard to remind listeners that immigrants play an integral role in the rich makeup of the American fabric. Next, Victoria Johnson, a sophomore, energetically faced the audience and presented her speech on the topic of cheating. Using various biblical references, the audience was reminded that while deceit may provide a short-term win, in the long run, cheaters will always lose. Next was Rose Clara Oates, another sophomore who eloquently commanded the stage as she tackled social justice. Using references from history and famous quotes, the audience was reminded that prejudice and hate should not hold a place within our society, but that equality and justice should be for all. Finally, the only male in this year’s contest, Kyle Bernado, a senior, offered his analysis on the topic of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Current cases and statistics were used persuasively to make the case that DEI is essential, not just for Black Americans, but for other underserved and overlooked groups as well.
And then came the toughest period of all – waiting for the judges to deliberate and return the results of their decision. Who would take first, second, third and fourth places? The judges, the Honorable Judge Eardell Rashford, Attorney June Isoye, Dr. Raymond Dixon, Principal, Northeastern Adventist Academy – Westchester Campus, Randolph Young, Northeastern Academy Alum and Donna Bell, member of New Rochelle Seventh-day Adventist Church, took their jobs seriously. They studied the evidence and after a nail-biting 30 minutes, presented their findings to Erika Herndon-Parris, the Oratorical & Speech Contest Coordinator. The fourth-place contestant, Victoria Johnson, received a monetary award of $100, the third-place contestant, Kyle Bernado received a monetary award of $200, the second-place contestant, Rose Clara Oates received a monetary award of $300 and the first-place winner, Swann Barrett received the grand award of $500. Additionally, each participant was presented with a Certificate of Leadership. Many thanks to all who made the day a success and congratulations to the winners.
Submitted by Erika Herndon-Parris
The Edward D. Herndon Legacy Foundation, Inc., Oratorical & Speech Contest Coordinator
Photo – Kevin Johnson
