Tomcats speak at Project SoapboxTomcats speak at Project Soapbox

On March 3, 34 Tomcats participated in Mikva Challenge’s “Project Soapbox,” a citywide public speaking competition, hosted this year by Metea Valley High School. The youth-driven civic engagement event gives area youth the opportunity to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. This year’s competition included students from East Aurora, West Aurora, Waubonsie Valley, Neuqua Valley, Metea Valley, and Glenbard East.

Each of the students first delivered their speeches in classroom settings to their peers and teachers at each of the high schools. From there, students took a larger stage at the competition, to experience speaking to a large audience and to have their voices heard beyond their classrooms. Speakers got the chance not just to be heard, but to hear each other’s voices as well. Topics varied, but all speeches include powerful combinations of passion, research, and personal stories about themselves and those around them.

Congratulations to Tomcat senior Daniel Maldonado who was named one of 10 finalists at the competition! And thanks to East High Social Studies teachers Julie DeNood, Jose Cardenas, and Brian Winders, who accompanied our Tomcats and helped provide this special experience. Nicely done, Tomcats!