On May 8, Boston Latin School students showcased their reading and oratory skills at the annual Prize Reading Competition.
Winners this year include students from across many grade levels — Classes I, II, IV and VI — each with at least one winner and one honorable mention.
The competition was established in the 19th century, and it has a rich history that spans over a hundred years. Today, it remains one of the oldest traditions that the School upholds, and it reflects BLS’s excellence in rhetoric alongside other customs such as declamation.
Beyond its place in BLS’s history, the Prize Reading Competition also mirrors the School’s core values. BLS English teacher Mr. Mark Sanford, who helped judge the competition, explains, “The Prize Reading Competition at Boston Latin School exists to uphold and celebrate the School’s historic emphasis on rhetoric, eloquence and classical education.”
In the days leading up to the competition, participants signed up for the event by pre-registering through a Google Form. They then competed on the designated day.
Unlike declamation, which requires the student to memorize their piece ahead of time, no prior preparation was necessary before this competition. Participants were instead able to choose their pieces from a textbook filled with a wide selection of passages, ranging from passionate speeches to comedic essays. Official prizes in the form of recognition and awards were given to the winners, including Prize Night money and medals.
This year also marked a record number of sixies who participated in the competition. Class VI Winner Freya Eguchi, who read aloud “Neat People vs. Sloppy People” by Suzanne Britt, comments, “I will definitely do it again next year; it was a fun competition to do with my friends with minimal stress. I definitely recommend [it].”
The judging panel consisted mostly of teachers from the English Department under the guidance of Ms. Angelene Thompson, the Program Director for the English Department. Each judge assessed participants based on the criteria that emphasized articulation and clarity, interpretation and expression and poise and presence. Students were also scored based on their overall impact, including the power and persuasiveness of their reading.
Regardless of their experience, students who participated were able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of expression, making this competition welcoming to beginner and seasoned performers alike. Class I Winner Oriana Dunker, who chose to read Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, reflects, “I would say that it really makes you pay attention to detail. […] It is something that I wasn’t expecting to take away from doing the competition, but it’s definitely something that I’m glad I did get a chance to look into.”