The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation congratulates the students of Bridge City High School that participated in the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation. Students, led by director Kathie Dorman and assistant Debbie Miller, took part in the local level contest on Monday, Feb. 25, at the high school cafetorium.

Participants in this year's competition were welcomed by Jordan Smith, the Bridge City first place winner in declamation from 2012. First place winners in declamation and interpretive reading were Nick Burch and Alexis Morris, respectively. Burch took the winning place with Russell Baker's 10 Ways to Avoid Mucking Up the World; and Morris won with her interpretation of a selection from Aunt Polly Trying to Catch Tom, from Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Each first place winner receives $2,000 in scholarships and the chance to compete in the county wide finals taking place at 2:00 p.m. at Lutcher Theater on Sunday, April 21.

Second place winners were Sidney Schubarth in declamation and Tanner Royal in interpretive reading; each receive a scholarship of $1,500.

On the evening of the competition, Bridge City High School Principal, Richard Briggs, presented winners with a red trophy. These trophies were given in recognition of the effort and achievement of the winners and to also signify Bridge City school colors and school spirit. Also, participants and audience members heard Bridge City band members in a brass ensemble perform musical interludes.

The aim of the Stark Reading Contest is to enhance the literary and forensic quality and skills of the students. The Contest has continued annually since its inception in 1904 and offers educational opportunities and experiences for students at Orange County public schools. The Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation is sponsored by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation as part of its continuing mission to enrich the community and encourage education.

Pictured are Bridge City high school students who participated in the recent local level of the Stark Reading Contest. The students were presented with red trophies which represent their efforts and Bridge City school spirit.