The Rockdale County Clerk of Courts Office is partnering with Rockdale County Public Schools to provide eighth grade students an opportunity to compete with their oratorical skills and win a cash prize on March 28, 10 a.m. - noon, at Conyers Middle School.

The goal of the competition is to provide an enrichment opportunity, support, recognize and reward eighth grade students.

"I believe that the earlier we can inspire a student, the better off they will be in high school and beyond," says Ruth Wilson, Rockdale County Clerk of Courts. "The Oratorical Competition is a value added supplement to the basic oratorical work already being done by RCPS."

This district competition is open to eighth grade students who have been selected at their school to move forward to the district-level competition.

Students will prepare an original persuasive/motivational speech on the topic of "I am responsible for good government." that is 3-5 minutes in length. Criteria for selection include speech development, effectiveness, speech value, physical demeanor, voice, manner, appropriateness, and correctness (adapted from ToastMasters International).

Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners in the amounts of $500, $350 and $150 respectively.

"It is important that students are given these opportunities to not only showcase their academic talent, but to compete in academic extracurricular activities," said Superintendent Richard Autry. "We truly appreciate the partnership with the Clerk of Courts Office to create this oratorical competition and give students the chance to be rewarded for their hard work and oratory talent."