WALDOBORO — On the morning of April 25, Medomak Valley High School held its annual Philbrook Speech Competition, an event that highlights and rewards students who have taken a position on a topic, supported it with research, and urged their audience to a call to action.

This year’s competition of 20 students, coordinated by the English Language Arts Department, started many years ago with a bequest of money from the Philbrook family, but has continued in recent years because of another generous bequest from a local family who chooses to remain anonymous.

Three judges from the community — Ms. Willy Ulbrich, Mrs. Sandra O’Farrell, and Mr. Sam Pennington —spent the morning scoring student speeches of 3-5 minutes in length.

Top speakers will receive $500 for 1st place; $300 for 2 nd place; and $200 for 3rd place.

This year’s winning speeches were by Gavin White 1st place (about confirmation bias); Gabby Lupacescu, 2 nd place (about the meaning of home); and Anna Weber, 3rd place (about limiting children’s technology use).

Three students were also recognized as Honorable Mentions: Lilly Christ (about attitudes toward people with disabilities); Peach Kodchaporn Runghuapai (about the impact of the pandemic); and Nevan Power (about homeless veterans).

“The English Language Arts Department congratulates all speakers on their hard work and commitment to continue this very worthwhile tradition,” said MVHS, in a news release.