Perrin Woods Elementary hosted the school’s first student speech competition on Thursday evening, coined the ‘Southside Speech Soirée.’
The event brought together students from Perrin Woods and Kenwood Elementary Schools, with the ambition of eventually growing the competition to include all elementaries located on Springfield’s south side.
Students ranging from first grade to sixth grade took the stage with confidence and performed poems, stories, essays or spoken word pieces in front of their families, friends and teachers. Some of the compositions were focused on Black History Month, while others were written about topics the kids have a passion for such as dance, church or football. Still, others centered around lighthearted messages, like the annoyances of homework.
Perrin Woods first grade students in Ms. Wilson-Jackson’s class stole the show and captured first place with their presentation of ‘I Am Somebody’ by Andreal Davis.
WATCH: Ms. Wilson-Jackson's Class Performance
Second place was awarded to Perrin Woods fourth grade student, Ryan Demint for his performance of the ‘Wellerman Song.’ Third place (a tie) went to Perrin Woods first graders Gilberto Gomez-Gramajo and Victory Westbrook and Perrin Woods sixth grader, Cameron Clark.
