Suburban Philadelphia Branch

Lorene Sylva, President

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

National Association of University Women

The National Association of University Women, Suburban Philadelphia Branch is pleased to announce its Sixth Annual African-American History Month Oratorical Competition. The competition, which promotes the development of oral advocacy skills and social awareness, is open to African-American high school students in the Tri-State area. Details are as follows:

Date:

March 3, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location:

Dechert LLP Cira Centre (across from 30th Street Station) 2929 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA Defend or Refute African-Americans should consider people of all racial backgrounds as potential dating and/or marriage partners. Participants are required to defend or refute this assertion using research to support their positions. 300-500 word persuasive essay and oration Typed using 12 pt or 14 pt font, double-spaced Page number and participants name on each page Stapled in upper left corner

Topic:

Format:

Cover sheet: Participants must complete and submit the attached cover sheet. Note that participants must obtain the signature of their current English teacher.

Deadline:

The deadline for submission of essays is 11:59 p.m. on February 10, 2012. Essays must be submitted as an attachment via email to Dr. Rebecca Mitchell, Oratorical Competition Chair, at dr.mom10@comcast.net. Late submissions will not be considered.

Practice:

Participants are required to attend two practice sessions with NAUW coaches as follows: February 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. February 24, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. The practice locations will be announced (and will be readily accessible).

Oration:

Participants will deliver their orations on March 3, 2012 as set forth above. A panel of three judges will assess each presentation using the following criteria: content, delivery, research, logic, originality, and grammar. A networking luncheon reception honoring participants will immediately follow. First, second, and third-place awards will be given to the three highestscoring participants, respectively. Each will receive a monetary award and trophy. All participants will receive a certificate of participation. In addition, participating seniors are eligible and will be considered for NAUWs annual scholarship award, given in May.

Awards:

We appreciate your support of, and participation in, our Sixth Annual African-American History Month Oratorical Competition. For more information please contact Dr. Rebecca Mitchell, Oratorical Competition Chair, at dr.mom10@comcast.net or 215-635-5914. Let the oratory begin! Sincerely, Rebecca Mitchell, Ed. D. Chair, African-American History Oratorical Competition Page | 2

National Association of University Women Suburban Philadelphia Branch African-American History Month Oratorical Competition Cover Sheet

Name (please print) __________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Telephone number (H) _______________________________ (C) _______________________________ E-mail address ______________________________________ Name of school ______________________________________ Address of school ____________________________________ Grade ______________________________________________ Principals name _____________________________________ English teachers name ________________________________ Parent(s) name(s) _____________________________________
I have read the rules for the NAUW Oratorical Competition and agree to abide by them. Students signature: _______________________________________ Date: ______________ I consent to my son/daughters participation in the Oratorical Competition. I will ensure that he/she follows the rules. Parents signature: ________________________________________ Date: ______________ I am aware that this student has entered the NAUW African-American History Month Oratorical Competition. English teachers signature: __________________________________ Date: ______________

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