Kikokushijo Academy held its second annual speech contest at the New York Ballroom of the Tokyo American Club on September 15th. Following the success of its inaugural contest the year before, KA nearly doubled the number of participants speaking at the event. Growth was also evident in the quality of the speeches, as participants were given the freedom to speak about topics they felt passionate about.
The warm and inviting atmosphere welcomed participants and their families to a talent competition that showcased the creativity and eloquence of our young orators. Topics varied tremendously, with captivating speeches that were both engaging and entertaining. The young speakers demonstrated evidence of extensive research on their topics as well as many hours of practice. One participant spoke about how conflict in her Music Theater club helped produce remarkable art on stage. Another shared her experiences at an international school in India, including her critiques of the cafeteria and her longing for authentic Japanese food. A young man spoke about his time at a retreat where he was not allowed to use any devices but instead had to make real-world connections and express himself. He described how he entered the camp as a shy and quiet boy, but left confident and able to speak publicly.
Many of the speakers reflected on experiences that were transformative for them. Within the mixture of nervousness and excitement in their voices, it was clear that this event would become one of those transformative experiences as well. Congratulations to Kikokushijo Academy for organizing an unforgettable event.
