CNS students shine in Optimist Club Oratorical Contest

March 19, 2026
 

Five Cicero-North Syracuse High School students showcased their public speaking talents during the CNS Optimist Club 2026 Oratorical Contest, held Tuesday, March 3, at the Jerome F. Melvin Administrative Office Building. This year’s contest featured CNS senior Joey Cox, CNS sophomore Aleks Atakan Galway, CNS senior Noah Seitz, CNS sophomore Alexis Sturgeon and CNS senior Chloe Tice. Each student delivered an eloquent and heartfelt speech based on the 2026 theme, “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community.” Pictured (left to right): Noah Seitz, Joey Cox, Alexis Sturgeon, Aleks Atakan Galway and Chloe Tice

 

Joey Cox earned first place, Alexis Sturgeon took second place and Chloe Tice placed third. As the top two finishers, Joey and Alexis will advance to the greater District contest in New Hartford on April 25, where they will compete for the opportunity to win a $2,500 scholarship. Pictured (left to right): Joey Cox, Alexis Sturgeon and Chloe Tice

The district congratulates these outstanding students for their thoughtful presentations and thanks the CNS Optimist Club for sponsoring the event.

CNS Optimist Club President Bob Crabtree served as master of ceremonies, congratulated the winners and spoke with families about the organization’s impact in the community. The district also thanks the event judges: Dr. Amanda Viel, Jamie Sullivan and Colleen O’Connor, as well as timekeeper Richard Buchanan.

Several CNS Optimist Club members attended the event, including Tammy Harris, Sue Bradt, Sue Ricca, Sue Moran, Linda Heinz and Richard Lash.