Students Shine In SD83 Talks Showcase
Rodeo, Grunge Music, Christmas Trees, Artificial Intelligence, and Are Books or Movies Superior? These were just a smattering of the interesting topics presented at the third annual SD83 Talks District Showcase on June 4, 2025, at A.L. Fortune Theatre.
SD83 Talks is a “version 2.0” of the former district public speaking competition, which has taken place since the 90s. During SD83 Talks, students can inform or persuade an audience on a certain topic. They can also use up to five visual slides with their speech. Students take part in school, and regional (if necessary), events with the winners moving on to the District Showcase.
Principal Shelly Cull, who along with Principal Duncan Hazlewood organize SD83 Talks, comments that the students were very knowledgeable and passionate about their chosen topic. “We had twelve students compete from grade 5 – 8 and all were very articulate and entertaining.”
The organizers congratulated all for making it to this final stage of the showcase! Students who earned first place were presented with an award.
In the Grade 5 showcase, Emma O’Brien’s presentation on Real Versus Fake Christmas Trees captured top spot. Also qualifying for the Showcase were Cashton Miller (The Sinking of the Titanic), Sam Smelsky (What Would Happen if the Earth Were Flat), and Izzy McAfee (The Best Books in the Harry Potter Series).
In Grade 6 Olivia O’Connor’s presented Why Swimming is the G.O.A.T took first place. Also qualifying were Reese Abel (Rodeo), Natalie Mahan (Why Pancakes are Better than Waffles), and Aubrie Volkman (De-Extinction of the Dire Wolf).
Laith Algiasena’s presentation on Should We Fear Artificial Intelligence was first in the Grade 7 event, while Mia McTimoney (How Over-Consumerism Killed Grunge Music) was a close second.
In Grade 8, Al Nair’s presentation on Social Anxiety was first with Alberta Konotop (Why Books are Superior to Movies) was the runner-up.
Director of Instruction Jennifer Findlay, retired Assistant Superintendent Carl Cooper, and retired teacher Susan Whitehead were the judges for the competition.
SD83 Talks connects well to the pursuit of personal interests and allows students to refine their representing skills as both a writer and a speaker. This learning provides students with the opportunity to develop their core competencies in communication as well as critical and creative thinking.
“Of most worth is how our speakers overcame their nervousness, found their brave and persevered,” added Cull. SD83 Talks provides students the opportunity to thrive in their learning by growing in their confidence and curiosity – two areas mentioned in the SD83 Mission.
Cull and Hazlewood are hoping participation in this worthwhile event will continue to grow. They would like to give a huge thank you to all the hard-working staff and students for putting on such an engaging display of thinking, creativity, and oratory skill! Also, thank you to A.L. Fortune for hosting, and to the parent community for coming out to support.