Meaghen McManus of Woodbury, Mary Kracht of West St. Paul, and Olivia McNair of Ottertail received first, second, and third prizes, respectively, at the first Speaking Proudly competition. The oratory contest for high school girls was held at the State Capitol on October 26. The prize money totaled $1750. Seventeen contestants were selected in response to the topic, “A Republic if You Can Keep It: Rising to Benjamin Franklin?s Challenge.” The event was sponsored by Metro Republican Women. Thirty-four judges consisting of speech teachers and well-known political leaders arrived throughout the day to judge various rounds so the girls had a chance to get feedback from a variety of professionals. The Speaking Proudly website provided encouragement and guidelines for students and training for judges. Contestants were identified only by a number to allow judges to focus strictly on the merits of the speech content and delivery.
