April 9, 2012

Finalists named in Smith-Merritt Public Speaking Contest

Five Eastern Illinois University students have advanced to the finals of the 2012 Smith-Merritt Public Speaking Contest, sponsored by the E. I. U. Department of Communication Studies.

Semi-final competition was held Monday evening with the top speakers advancing to the final round.  The six finalists and their speech topics are:

  • Darius Lee Francis:  Arts Should Be Supported in K-12
  • Laramie Immel:  People Should Eliminate Soda From Their Diet
  • Katherine Eckberg:  Against No Child Left Behind
  • Thomas A. Smith:  Against Standardized Testing
  • Mary Jo Worthington:  Drinking Milk is Unnatural and Unhealthy

The finals will be held Tuesday evening (April 10th) at 6:00 p.m. in Lumpkin Hall 2030.

The contest is open to any EIU student who was enrolled in the Intro to Public Speaking class during the Spring of 2012.  First prize is $500 plus a certificate.  The second place speaker will receive $300 and a certificate, while 3rd place will be awarded $100 plus a certificate.

The contest is sponsored by and named in honor of Dr. Calvin Smith and Dr. Floyd Merritt, who are both emeritus faculty in the Department of Communication Studies.