On Feb. 15, six students from West Genesee High School gave speeches around the theme, “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times” to members of the Camillus Optimist Club.

The Optimists chose Elena Pacheco to represent them at the next district competition of the 2022 Oratorical Contest that will be held on April 30 in New Hartford.

Other participants from the high school included: Sienna Baron, Janaya Jones, James Manard,  Lia Rice, and Alyssa Winters.

English teacher Suzanne Ostrander coordinated the competition for the students from the high school which was conducted via zoom.

The judges from Toastmasters International shared, “that they were “blown away by the level of speaking ability for students. This is a talented group year after year”.

The school extended its thanks to the Camillus Optimists for sponsoring this event every year and to the Rosanna Giampaolo for coordinating this wonderful event.