2023 OHSSAR Oration Contest in Columbus, OH

The 2023 OHSSAR Oration Contest was held Saturday April 22nd 11:00am.

We were grateful that the Law offices of Calfee, Halter and Griswold, LLP were host to this event and thankful to Will Ross of the Western Reserve Chapter of the SAR for arranging the accommodations.  The event was held in the Huntington Building located in downtown Columbus.

The Judges were Steven Kaplan, Montgomery Chapter and Michael Gunn, Cincinnati Chapter.  Serving as the time keeper was Laurie Bredenfoerder – Ladies Auxiliary.  Jack Bredenfoerder, the State of Ohio SAR President served as the Official Prompter.

We had two contestants for the Oration Competition.  Both contestants presented an excellent Patriotic theme, with sound historic construction, were well organized and spoke with convincing grammar and passion.

Oration Contestant – Jakin Bass

Oration Contestant – Julia Gainar

For most of us, the thought of public speaking will lead to sleepless nights.  These two participates showed us how it should be done!

They both had good appearance with body movements in support of the flow of their delivery.  The messages of both were excellent.  In short, it was extremely difficult to separate.  It was very close!

SAR Representatives with Jakin Bass

In the end, we found Julia Gainar as the winner. A very close runner up was Jakin Bass.

Winner of the 2023 OHSSAR Oration Contest – Julia Gainar

Thanks to the participants, their parents & sponsors and SAR members who contributed to this event!

We look forward to the 2024 event!