Recently, one of Emily O’Reilly’s many projects has kicked into action for eighth graders at Springs School. Mrs. O’Reilly is the eighth-grade English teacher, and she is revered for her creative project ideas. All eighth grade students composed a speech about a topic they were passionate about, tackling things like book banning, economic inequality, and teen mental health.
In this annual project, students turn compelling topics into meticulously crafted speeches. Mrs. O’Reilly showcases the eight best speeches, which by tradition, are read by the student at the
school’s board meeting. She has embraced this project since she first started to teach at Springs School, and said she loves the sense of empathy the speeches invoke in young people.
“When we can recognize someone else’s plight and speak out on their behalf, even when it does not benefit us at all, that is truly human nature at its finest,” she said in explaining why she enjoys this project so much. Additionally, she feels public speaking is an important part of life, and this project serves as a springboard for that skill.
By Rafaela DeMartis, Grade 8
Springs School Journalism Club