In a remarkable showcase of oratory skills, a public health student from the University of Virginia (UVA) emerged victorious in a newly established speaking competition against Georgetown University. This contest, focusing on a pivotal theme in American history, saw participants eloquently engaging with the essence of the Declaration of Independence.
Deanna Wilbourn, a senior majoring in public health with a minor in government, captivated the judges at the UVA vs. Georgetown Oratory Cup. The competition, held last month in the Supreme Court of Virginia, featured eight speakers who delved into the prompt: “Tell the story of an event in American history that embodies the Declaration of Independence.”
The contest began with students from both universities presenting their interpretations of the theme. From these, four individuals from each institution advanced to the final round. The judging panel, comprising a former state attorney general, two justices from the state Supreme Court, and the chief speechwriter for Governor Abigail Spanberger, evaluated the participants based on both the content and presentation of their speeches.
Looking forward, the organizers of the event expressed a desire to expand the competition by including more universities in the coming year.
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