SCHULTZ STUDENTS WIN NEXT ROUND OF ORATORICAL CONTEST

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Three students from L.J. Schultz won the second round of competition in the Optimist Clubs oratorical contest.

The students, Jim Fox, Laura Sheets and Todd Matzat, were among four winners at the zone level.

To reach that level, each of the student won at the local club level.

By winning the zone level, the three now qualify to compete at the regional level. That competition will be held in April.

Winners at the regional level advance to district competition which is statewide. District winners will receive $1,500 scholarships.

The students competed against others up to age 16.

Carolyn Ford, Probe gifted program facilitator, said, "This is the first time we've had three students advance this far."

Ford said 13 students at Schultz entered the oratorical contest as an independent study activity.