Kam Kuzyk off to All Ontario speech championships

Ken Johnston
Editor

He says it is not something that comes naturally, but the judges beg to differ when it comes to Kam Kuzyk’s public speaking skills.
Last Tuesday he captured gold at the annual district speech competition in Emo when he flawlessly delivered a speech on himself in french.
Kuzyk and Santana King represented Riverview Elementary School at the competition after the top speaker at the school, Brandon Gough, opted not to go to the next level of competition.
Kuzyk, 13, is a grade 8 student at the school and said his secret to success was, “I pretended like I was just talking to friends.” That worked as he beat out 7 other kids to win an all expense paid trip to Toronto for him and his parents where he will compete in the All Ontario competitions.
His teacher, Anne Caradice said, “He has always worked hard in class and it has paid off.” She further attributes his success to the fact that he was introduced to french in Kindergarten, a part of the curriculum that has been cut back in recent years. Now only students grade 4 and up get french lessons.
In his speech Kam talked about what he likes to eat, his family and his future ambitions. He said his favorite foods are tacos and pizza, his parents are very old, and he plans to go to university to become a pharmacist or a teacher.
Kam delivered his speech 4th and felt that he had a pretty good chance of winning after hearing the other three before him. “Only one kid was close, but he used cue cards.”
Kam on the other hand memorized his speech, “And made good eye contact with good pronunciation,” said Caradice.
King did not place, but Caradice said she did well at the competition. Richard Schultzki of Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton came in second and Andy Moen of McCrosson-Tovell School in Bergland came in third.
Kuzyk’s first place win was the best showing Caradice can recall, noting that former Riverview student Lisa Shumaker came in 2nd several years ago.
A draw for $500 in french resource supplies was won by McCrosson-Tovell. The May 24, 2003 trip to Toronto is funded by the Canadian Parents for French.
“We are absolutely thrilled and very proud of him,” concluded Caradice.