Students from Notre Dame High School recently gained the opportunity to demonstrate their public speaking skills and take pride in personal accomplishments. The students took part in a speech contest sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America.

Students competing in the contest shared their presentations on this year’s topic, “What does it mean to be a hero?” First place was Hannah Gowarty, Fiona Smith was second, and Maryn Seamon took third. Each of the winners received a trophy and a gold pin.

Modern Woodmen’s Speech Contest is one of many free youth educational programs that Modern Woodmen offers to schools nationwide. More than 100,000 students compete in the contest each year.