KWHS 9th grader Neslo Atilla takes 1st Place
On Saturday, October 16th, Books & Books along with The Studios of Key West hosted the Great Works Speaking Contest sponsored by Fred and Joanne Klein. Six high school students from Key West to Tavernier competed by giving dramatic readings from some of their favorite Key West authors. Elizabeth Bishop, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Alison Lurie were all represented.
Judges Leda Andrews, Rebecca Bennett, Ben Harrison, Erin McKenna and Lori Reid scored the contestants on everything from pronunciation and tone to organization and preparedness.
In the end, the top prize of $750 went to 9th grader Neslo Atilla from Key West High School for her reading of a passage from The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. Second place was awarded to Lela Griffin, 9th grader from Key West High, who selected a passage from Mango Opera by Tom Corcoran. Third place went to Parker Curry, 10th grader from Key West High, reading work by Elizabeth Bishop.
This was the first year for the contest with high hopes for making it an annual event. Thanks again to our sponsors, judges, competitors, volunteers, and audience.
If you missed it, you can watch a replay of the event on our Facebook page at: https://fb.watch/8Q4Es_da8b/