Dr. James Seasholtz, Master of Ceremonies, presents a prize to one of the speakers in the UPP Speech Contest

The UPP held its year-end English Speech Contest on May 18.  The purpose of the contest was to allow students to demonstrate the English skills they have learned in their classes this year.

All students spoke on the assigned topic of “The Arab World: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”.   Most of the speeches mentioned the past scientific and cultural contributions of the Arab world, and the current trend of focusing on education and internationalization.

The audience represented the breadth of the UPP:  students, faculty members, staff members, and administrators.  All of the speeches received loud applause, and after the contest the judges noted that all of the speeches were impressive.  The English Department Chair, Mr. Mark Johnstone, who also served as a judge, commented, “I was amazed by the poise and confidence of all participants in the Student Speech Contest. Many spoke with surprising skill and authority. We are very fortunate to have such capable and enthusiastic students in this program.”

Six judges from the English Department evaluated the speeches on criteria such as organization, content, pronunciation, and eye contact.  Dr. James Seasholtz, Master of Ceremonies and creator of the contest rules, stated, “The speech competition’s resounding success was only made possible by the hard work and diligence of our outstanding student participants.  Public speaking in one’s native language is difficult enough, but to stand before an audience and deliver a speech in English was a very significant personal accomplishment for each and every one of the young men who participated.  I can say without any hesitation that every faculty member was awed by the participants’ strength of character, their oratory styles, their high degree preparation, and wonderfully insightful and informational presentations.  All the hard work done this year by both the faculty and the students was validated by the success of this year’s UPP Speech Contest.”

Every speaker received a certificate for his participation in the contest, and the First and Second Prize winners received gift certificates for a local shopping establishment.

English Levels 24-25
First Prize: Abdullah Al-Shammari
Second Prize: Malik Nassan
Third Prize: Ahmed El Beshir

English Levels 26-27
First Prize: Sadek Obeidat
Second Prize: Faisal Al Rasheed
Third Prize:  Hani Al-Turkmani