While many of her fellow classmates were already enjoying some well-earned relaxation time at the beach, Kristin Bowers, a member of the Bishop O'Connell class of 2010, traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to compete as the representative from the Commonwealth of Virginia at the 2010 the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest sponsored by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
On June 26, Kristin presented her oration entitled "It's Only Common Sense," as a finalist for the third time. She had previously won the local (Fairfax Resolves Chapter) and the state competitions (Virginia Society, Sons of the American Revolution) in order to qualify for this all-expense-paid trip to the national-level oration contest.
According to Larry McKinley, national vice-chairman of the oration contest, Kristin not only won first place, but received a standing ovation when she presented her oration to the 400 attendees gathered at a youth recognition luncheon the next day.
Kristin is the eighth winner from Virginia in the more than 50 years history of this national contest, but it had been 32 years since someone from Virginia had won. Her victory now gives the Commonwealth the distinction of having more winners than any other state.
For her efforts, Kristin was awarded a medal and $3,000 to add to the $1,100 she already received for her local and state wins.
"No wonder we are proud of the environment established at Bishop O'Connell High School to foster such talent," said McKinley. "We congratulate her parents and her teachers for their encouragement. And most of all, Kristin's work, energy. love of history and pure communication talent won this contest. Congratulations, Kristin. We wish you well as a leader in a new generation, about to make an impact in the world."
For more information on the contest visit the Fairfax Resolves Chapter's Web site.
CLICK HERE to view a comprehensive listing of O'Connell student participation in oration and essay contests during the 2009-2010 school year.
