US's Venerable Speaking Contests

University School is proud to announce the winners of two venerable public speaking competitions: the 111th annual Sherman Prize Speaking Contest at the Hunting Valley Campus; and the Eighth Grade Speaking Contest, now in its 107th year, at the Shaker Campus.

At the Sherman Prize Speaking Contest, junior Mateo Gomez won first place for his speech entitled Unspoken. Eighth grader Auryon Azar won first place at the Eighth Grade Speaking Contest for his speech, Islamaphobia: Changing Our Nation.

In his winning speech for the Sherman Prize, Mateo discussed his experiences growing up with an alcoholic father and his own battle with depression.

"With depression, you want to figure it out on your own," Mateo said. "You want to keep it tucked away in the deepest depths of your mind. After silently suffering this aloneness for nine years, I am now able and even proud to tell my story, of where I came from, and the values I have acquired through it. Sharing and listening to stories allows us to connect with and learn from each other in immensely powerful and important ways. Only by opening up to each other can we fully liberate ourselves from lonesomeness and make our depression speak."

The second-place Sherman prize was awarded to Maxwell Xu '16 for his speech Embracing The Other. John Piazza '16 received third place for La Famiglia. Students receiving honorable mentions were juniors Grant Bumbu, Henry Shapard, and Yefe Soriano.

In his speech at the Eighth Grade Speaking Contest, winner Auryon Azar talked about the rising fear of Muslims worldwide, saying, "Islamophobia has gained acute traction due to rising incidents of terrorism, but we can't let this small shard of radical Jihadists tarnish the reputation of the estimated 1.6 billion people who follow the religion of Islam."

Five other eighth graders were chosen to present speeches on a topic of interest. Second place went to Gabe Laskey for his speech, Homework: Is It Truly Necessary. Third place went to Jake Nordell for his speech, Breeding Our Bread. Honorable mentions went to Jack Stanley, Owen Cervino, and Leo Frontini.

"One of the enduring features of a US education is the ability to articulate one's views in a clear and persuasive manner, both in writing and in a public forum," said Stephen Murray, University School headmaster. "All of the speakers were absolutely impressive. There is no doubt that between the two contests, we had one of the finest displays of public speaking at US in recent memory."
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    • Sherman Prize winner Mateo Gomez '16 with Headmaster Stephen Murray.

    • Eighth Grade Speaking Contest winner Auryon Azar '19 with Bruce Wilhelm (left), Head of the Shaker Campus, and Headmaster Stephen Murray.

Shaker Heights Campus

20701 Brantley Road
Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122
JUNIOR K – GRADE 8
Phone: 216-321-8260

Hunting Valley Campus

2785 SOM Center Road
Hunting Valley, Ohio 44022
GRADES 9 – 12
Phone: 216-831-2200
University School serves over 850 boys in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 on two campuses in suburban Cleveland, Ohio. The School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character who lead and serve. Dedicated faculty, rigorous curriculum, and experiential programs foster intellectual, physical, creative, and moral excellence. University School is a diverse and inclusive community where each boy is known and loved.