High School

SHS Sophomore, Stephanie Rippstein, placed third in the State Optimist Oratorical Contes

By Clark Kolterman

March 31, 2008

Seward High School Sophomore, Stephanie Rippstein, placed third in the
recent State Optimist Oratorical Contest held on Saturday, March 29th, 2008
at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in their Student Union. The
contest was open to all youth, under the age of 16 by January 1, 2008. The
theme of the contest was "Why me, why not?" The students were required to
present a five minute speech on the topic.

Stephanie was selected the District Winner and represented the Seward
Optimist Club and the District, as well. There were nine students in her
compeition. The first place winner, recieves $1500 and a plaque. Stephanie
recieved a plaque for third place. Also attending the event was her high
school speech coach, Clark Kolterman and the Seward Optimist Presdient,
Linda Flyr of Seward.

The Seward Optimist club honored Stephanie at their regular meeting on March
6 at the Seward Country Club. They presented her with a medal and an
engraved pen. She presented her speech at the meeting.