ORATORICAL COMMITTEE

Michael Cortes

Committee Members:

Michael Cortes, Department Oratorical Chair

John Kubitz, Vice-Chair, Eastern Section

Richard Schloendorn, Vice-Chair, Central Section

Laura Smerbeck, Vice-Chair, Western Section

Meeting Date: August 10, 2024

Summary: The committee members reviewed the National Oratorical documentation released for the 2024 contest, confirmed the date of the Department contest, and set the deadlines for all preliminary events.  The committee also updated the Pennsylvania Oratorical Brochure and Application and submitted it to Department Headquarters. When the date for the National Finals became available, we approved the final copy of the brochure and application.  All committee members are returning for another year, bringing their experience and knowledge towards improving the program.

Tasks accomplished:

The Oratorical brochure was presented to Department headquarters for printing and release.  All 2025 Oratorical materials are now available on either the Department or National Website.

Dates were set as follows:

• Applications are due December 1, 2024.
• Post contests are due December 29, 2024.
• County Contests are due January 12, 2025.
• District Contests are due January 26, 2025.
• Inter-District Contests are due February 9, 2025.
• Section Contests are due February 23, 2025.

Acknowledged these dates as follows:

• The Department Contest is on March 8, 2025.
• The National Contest is May 16-18, 2025.