Evening star., 1926-02-18
ORAT0RY SUCCESS
REASONS OUTLINED
Birmingham Teacher Ex.
plains How Pupils Got Into
Final Contest Twice.

c. ]. Going. principal, Phillips High
School, Birmingham. Ala. the only
school in the United States to VII
representation in the national finals OF
the Oratorical contest two years tr
succession, has, at the request of thu
,, national director, outlined the factor:
which he believes chiefly responsible
for this remarkable record.
In his letter he stresses the impor
tance Of the literary clubs and the
cumulative value Of having th'
speeches delivered before the studen
body and copies of the speeches dis
tributed among pupils. Incidental.
ne points to the modest and mani.
spirit of the national champion las
year, Robert Sessions, and emphasizes
the value OF the contest for his entir
school,
The letter, which should prove help
ful to teachers and principals
schools throughout the United State
in promoting the contest among thei
own pupils. follows:
Causes of Success.
1T should go without saying that
Phillips High School is proud of the
fact that during the first two years
student from this school has repre-.
sented the South in the Washington
hnals. No single reason can be given
Tor the splendid achievement of these
Two young men. Jack Turner and
Robert Sessions. The causes for the
success of each are numerous. The
excellent instruction received in his
tory. English and civics throughout
the high school course, the training
secured In oratory and debate In the
literary societies, the assistance re-
iyH hA i
rected by Miss Leila May Smith, the
earnest conscientious effort exerted
by the young men themselves, and
last. but far from least the fine inter.
est and encouragement shown by the
home; all these were factors in bring.
ing about the success attained
For years Phillips High School has
sponsored many literary clubs within
| the school. Through this means un
usual interest has been maintained In
the study Of the problems Of the day
Pupils have had an opportunity to
express their thoughts. and have been
encouraged to speak freely and ear
! nestly. Thus the discovery of hidden
power is made easy and the club spon
sors have an opportunity to assist ir
| its development. I attribute much OF
the schools success to the club life
| within it's walls.
Conducting OF Contest.
II suppose our plan Of conducting
! the contest is essentially the same
as that used in many other high
schools. The contest was outlined
before the entire school and those de
| string to compete for the honor o.
representing the school where asked t.
register with the teacher of expires
sion. After the orations were writ.
| ten each contestant was given all the
individual attention that the teacher
in public speaking could afford. The
fnalists within the school on the
date scheduled gave their orations
before the entire student body. about
1000. A profound impression was
undoubtedly made upon the audi.
ence. The speeches provoked helpful
thought am discussion. The oration
of the winner was printed and copies
distributed to the students.
Robert Sessions will be graduated
this June. Permit me to say here
that the frank, modest. manly spirit
Of this youth will long be remembered
in this school and held as one Of its
finest assets.
THE results of the national ora.
torical contest in this school have
most assuredly created a greater love
for country and a higher respect for
law and government"