Heartfelt topic earns Portageville teenager national speaking award

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. - Valerie Kellams remembers her first venture at the Modern Woodmen of America's speech contest.

As a fifth grader she had advanced to the state level in Jefferson City. There, standing in front of the judges, she began her speech and her mind went blank. The words wouldn't come.

"It was devastating," Kellams said.

As an eighth grader, she vowed, it wouldn't happen again. And it didn't. This year Kellams not only wowed the judges at the local, district and state levels, she took top honors nationally winning over participants from 23 states.

When the teachers at St. Eustachius Grade School announced the 2009 competition, Kellams said she began thinking about her topic using the contest's theme of a person who has influenced many lives.

"I wanted to speak about something close to my heart," said Kellams.

That something became the story of Sydney Beth Pikey, who died in an accident at age 7. However, through organ donation and a Christmas campaign, the youngster's legacy lives on.

It was a story, the 14-year-old said, about "how something so tragic can turn into something wonderful."

Kellams, began researching her topic first on the Internet. Next she contacted Sydney's mother, Stacy Pikey.

The two talked and the speech began to take form.

Kellams said her speech centers on the importance of organ donation.

"The judges had no clue who Sydney was, but it was a story that touched them," she said.

In her speech, Kellams also talks about Sydney's Santa, an effort begun by the child's family to provide Christmas gifts to children while encouraging others to give the gift of life through organ donation.

In her speech she concludes:

"So although the loss of Sydney was devastating; from it, the Pikey family have been blessed, as they have blessed others. Not only did Sydney's death save two lives, but her story has touched hundreds. I know that Sydney is the reason why my family and I are organ donors.

Kellams learned last summer before her freshman year at Portageville High School she earned the national title. The official presentation was made Thursday.

Jerry Reaves and Timmy Tapp, Modern Woodmen financial representatives presented Kellams with her plaque, a medal and a monetary prize and a plaque of recognition for St. Eustachius School. Also they pointed out there were some 100,000 participants in this year's event.

Reaves said he was impressed by the teen's topic and her concern.

"Sydney has touched many lives and Valerie, with her speech, I'm sure has touched lives," he said.

Sydney's mom watched from the audience, her eyes brimming with tears.

"It touched my heart," she said about Kellams' speech. "I think as a parent, it is the highest honor you can receive."

Kellams said Sydney has touched her heart as well.

"I feel like Sydney could be my own sister," she said, noting she keeps the child's picture in her room. "I'm lucky to have her with me."