Students got a chance to test their speech skills at Penn’s Peak Wednesday, and they rose to the occasion for some exceptional oratory action.

The Carbon County Oratory Competition featured seven students from four area schools: Jim Thorpe, Palmerton, Panther Valley, and Carbon Career and Technical Institute. Each school had an opportunity to send one male and one female student as an orator. Speech times were limited to between five and eight minutes, but subject matter and style of delivery were at the discretion of the speaker.“Being able to communicate, to speak in public in front of people, it’s a life skill,” said Bonnie Tavella, Palmerton High School English teacher and oratory competition advisor.“It’s a skill set that you take to your job, it’s a skill set that you take when you meet people. Many colleges and universities require a speech class to in order to graduate. If you can present yourself confidently in front of other people, that’s a life skill, and it’s not easy.”Marie Johns and Katya Fitzpatrick of Blue Ridge TV-13 were on hand as judges for the event, using a scoring system that awarded from one to 11 points in each category, including substance, structure, style, bodily expression, vocal expression, and personal qualities.“It was challenging because they’re all very talented,” Fitzpatrick said. “It was difficult to choose a winner, but overall, I looked for someone who was passionate about what they were speaking about, and also someone who looked comfortable and seemed very knowledgeable.”Advisors for each school helped to coach and refine the students’ speaking, focusing on hitting key points and engaging the audience. Clearly, their work was well worth it.“I think we did well,” CCTI advisor Mike Wildoner said. “I don’t think the kids were nervous at all. I’m getting nervous just knowing that I have to present an award to the kids. They weren’t nervous, their pace was on key, and they picked some great topics.”All speakers were given a participatory plaque, presented by their respective advisors. One male and one female were selected as champions for the event.Regan Carroll of Jim Thorpe Area High School, who won first place in the female orator category, drew from her former fear of public speaking as a subject.“I feel like that’s what really drives me to actually do well. I feel as though when I’m up there, I’ve come so far, and it comes so easily to me,” Carroll said. “It makes the success so much better.”Carbon Career and Technical Institute made a good show of their rookie appearance at the event, with Alex Groller taking a first place win in their first year. His speech on motocross and why it should qualify as a sport stemmed from his lifelong love of the activity, making for an easy subject.“It was great to have the opportunity to write about whatever you want, and that’s what I really enjoyed about it. I’m a big motocross fan, a big racing fan, a big car guy, so I figured, I’ll write about this, and I just did my best,” Groller said.Fitzpatrick said that one of the defining characteristics of a great speech was rooted in personal connections, which were clearly important to both winners.“I think that when someone can share something personal about themselves, they can make a connection with the audience, and then you engage the audience. That was what helped me choose a winner,” Fitzpatrick said.Carroll said that her victory was made sweeter by the fact that she could deliver a personal, heartfelt account of conquering her fear, which she hopes will inspire others to do the same.“I feel like it’s kind of an ordinary fear. To be able to overcome it, to be able to help people with it, I think it makes this so nice. I can tell people about it, and it really inspires other people rather than just helping me,” she said.