PNCAnnounces Hyde Park Forum and Speak-Off Winners

Speak-Off Winners: (L – R) Jennifer Hooper, Cara French, Carmen Sperry, Robyn Fix Download photo here.

WESTVILLE – The 23rd Purdue University North Central Hyde Park Forum Public Speaking Contest concluded with Robin Fix, of Valparaiso, being named winner of the “Speak-Off” competition.

The Hyde Park Forum brings together students who present short speeches on various topics of current interest. Many participants are students in PNC’s Communication 114 class.

This was the fourth year that Hyde Park Forum’s first-place winners were brought together for the Speak-Off to compete for cash awards.

Speak-Off winner Fix gave the speech entitled, “What Makes Us Purdue” and explored the topic of education at PNC. First runner up was Carmen Sperry, of Michigan City, who spoke about health with “Get Healthy.” Second runner up was Cara French, of Valparaiso, who addressed same sex civil marriage in her speech, “Til Death Do Us Part.”

The top speakers in the advanced division were - first place Diana Mead, of Portage, with “Don't Sit, Stand, Lean, Sleep Here.” First runner up was Jennifer Hooper, of LaPorte, who presented, “Homosexuality and the Bible.” Hooper was also third runner up in the Speak-Off competition.

Overall second place Hyde Park Forum winners were – Julie Fowler, Michigan City, “Personality and Bonding Begin in Utero;” Lana Glorio, Valparaiso, “For Ever Patriotic:” Nick Mucha, Valparaiso, “Don't Get Sucked In.”

Overall third place Hyde Park Forum winners were – Nicole McCaw, LaPorte, “Nationalized Healthcare;” Julie Newcomer, North Judson, “The Unpunished Crime;” Amanda Ritthaler, Valparaiso, "One Week Can Change a Life Forever;" Agnes Sech, Portage, “Home Sweet Home.”

Honorable mention –Barbaro Baez, LaPorte, “People Should Not Have an Abortion;” Mike Felt, LaPorte, “A Different Kind of Racism;” Virginia Kuhl, Michigan City, “Drink More Water;” Carl Rowe, LaPorte, “The Alcohol Paradox;” Brian Schimpf, Valparaiso, “No-McDonalds;” Jennifer Smith, Valparaiso, “There's No Place Like Home;” Alex Taylor, Kingsford Heights, “American Sign Language.”

The Hyde Park Forum and Speak-Off are loosely based on London’s Hyde Park, a public gathering place for speakers who wish to state their minds. Hyde Park has gained prominence as a reference to freedom of speech and intriguing speaking.

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