TOP ORATORS—Iron Bridge Public School students Dale Larson (left, front), Linda LaRone (centre, front), Gordon MacMichael, Vera Reed and Kenneth Brydges (left to right, back), emerged as the five best orators in preliminaries of the Provincial Public Speaking Contest being sponsored in Ontario's elementary schools by the Ontario School Trustees and Ratepayers' Association and the province's Hydro-Electric Power Commission. 

Kenneth, first place winner, Linda, second and Dale, third, are eligible to compete in district semi-final contests. Shown with the students is Iron Bridge Public School Principal Henry J. Coventry.	Algoma Advocate Photo


Iron Bridge School Names Winning Entries
IRON BRIDGE — 

The right to represent Iron Bridge Public School in district semi-finals of the Provincial Public Speaking Contest has been claimed by Kenneth Brydges, Linda La Rone and Dale Larson.


Winners in the preliminary level of the competition, sponsored jointly by the Ontario School Trustees' and Ratepayers' Association and the Hydro - Electric Power Commission of Ontario, were announced Thursday by Principal Henry J. Coventry.


The winners are all members of the school's eighth grade. Kenneth. 13 and Dale. 12, reside in the Hydro colony at Red Rock Falls and Linda, at 11, the youngest contestant, lives in Iron Bridge.


All competitors were required to base their addresses on subjects relevant to Ontario Hydro and each was permitted to select his or her own topic from a list of subject matter compiled by the co-sponsor.


Kenneth's top-ranking oratorical was based on "The History of Ontario Hydro". "Electricity -The One-Cent Wonder" was the topic which placed Linda in runner-up position. Dale, who ranked third, spoke on "Ontario Hydro".


Vera Reed. 13, who earned fourth place standing with an address entitled "Hydro Electric Power", will also advance to district semifinals if rules require entry of two members of each sex from participating schools, Gordon MacMichael. 12. spoke on "Ontario Hydro" to win fifth position in the contest.


Judges George Cameron and Kenneth Braid. Red Rock Falls and Clarence Eaket. Iron Bridge based their selection of winners on merits of material choice, style, language and delivery.


Trustworthiness and accuracy of facts, subject coverage, interest and worthiness, evidence of research and scope of understanding to the child were considered in assessing the students'
material choice.


Coherence, well-organized ideas, smooth transition from idea to idea, forcible sentences and language, attention-commanding beginnings and effective conclusions were point-winning style qualities.


Range of vocabulary, ability to express ideas accurately, choice of language and accuracy in use of words, grammar and pronunciation were considered in judging students' language proficiency.


Contestants were scored on general effectiveness and voice qualities in delivery of their addresses. Competition rules did not require pupils to deliver impromptu speeches.


Date and place of the district contest has not been announced. Winners in the semi-finals will advance to elementary school provincial finals, to be held March 31 in the Crystal Ballroom, King Edward Hotel, Toronto.


Ontario Hydro will ward scrolls of merit to all contestants in the final competition. In addition, the orator judged the province's best will receive a cash prize of $75, a large cup to be placed in his or her home school and a miniature cup for personal possession.


The runner-up and third place winner will be presented cash awards of $50 and $25 respectively.


TWIN TALENT—Iron Bridge's 13-year-old twin sisters, Erla (left) and Erma Tulloch (right) placed first and third in an oratorical competition. Leona Seabrook, 12, (centre), claimed second position. Algoma Advocate Photo
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