Describing her love of animals and the valuable learning she has gained by volunteering at the Delta Animal Shelter, Grade 12 student Priya Sadher communicated enthusiastically to a large crowd at the 20th Annual Optimist Communication Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Priya was one of nearly 30 contestants taking part in the contest, which was held on April 15 at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in Burnaby.
“She gave a very passionate and confident presentation and won second place,” said Jayne Fenrich, a deaf and hard of hearing teacher with the Delta School District at Burnsview Secondary School, where Priya goes to school.
The Optimist Communication Contest is hosted by the British Columbia Provincial Outreach Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing students to present in a bi-cultural/bi-lingual environment. Students also have the opportunity to socialize with peers from districts across the province who attend the event.
The contest is open to a maximum of 30 students who must apply to compete. There are 15 spots available in the American Sign Language category and 15 in the oral category. Priya competed in the sign language category.
This year’s topic was How My Passions Impact the World. Priya’s compassionate words earned her second place and an iPad mini. She will now be heading to Oregon for the Regional Optimist Communication Contest on May 17.