Upper Schoolers Shine in Fall Woodbury Speaking Contest

This year’s fall edition of the Woodbury Public Speaking Contest charmed the school community gathered in the Hamilton Chapel. Named for former Parents Association president Glen P. Woodbury, the Woodbury Public Speaking Prize was established in 1956 under the sponsorship of Belmont Hill’s literary magazine The Sextant. Open to any Upper Schooler, the Woodburys offer the boys the opportunity to write and deliver a speech on a topic of their choice, based on their personal experiences and interests.

With personal reflections and thoughtful insights, the speakers examined how to best respond to challenging moments. From enduring a position change on the football field, to facing nerves on the first day of school, to scoring for the wrong team, to engaging in difficult conversations, and to overcoming online distractions, the students revealed the wisdom gained from their own experiences with clarity and wit.

The finalists included Krish Chandar ’29, Jack Hurley ’27, Yamin Ibrahim ’27, Ari Itzkovits ’28, Drew Short ’28, and Sebastian Stafford ’29. Special congratulations to the winner of the contest Krish Chandar, who shared how elementary school pranks, and the subsequent consequences, taught him that being able to laugh at oneself is the best way to move past embarrassing moments.