Applications for the 25th annual Edward Everett Oratory Competition are due Jan. 24 on the topic “Education and the Republic.” The preliminary competition will take place in mid-February, and the final competition will take place Tuesday, March 4. 

“Because of the incoming administration’s interest in changing the landscape of education, there were a couple of education topics in the mix,” Kirsten Kiledal, competition director and professor of rhetoric and media, said. “This one was chosen unanimously after a bit of crafting within the meeting. It was thought to be of central interest to our entire community and was left open enough for the generation of arguments unique to individual speakers.”

The judges this year include President Larry Arnn and Don Tocco. The first place winner will be awarded $3,000, second place will receive $2,000, and third place will receive $1,000 endowed by the Saul N. Silbert Charitable Trust. 

“Everett is one of many public speaking opportunities that has taught me that if I have committed to something, I must see it through no matter what,” last year’s competition winner junior Emily Schutte said. “I am terrified every time I get up in front of people to speak, yet I know I must keep going. I hate it in the moment, but I love it in the end.”

Both Schutte and Kiledal said those interested in applying should remember this is not an essay competition. 

“When deciding how to frame your oration, my best advice is to speak from your heart and to tell a story,” Schutte said. “I never expected to place first primarily because my competition consisted of extremely talented, experienced public speakers. I believe what captured the audience and the judges was my use of story and personal experience.”

Kiledal said that while people with more expressly speech-focused majors often succeed, so do students from all parts of campus. Any undergraduate student in good standing can apply, and those interested should email Kiledal at kkiledal@hillsdale.edu.