Westminster Academy Sophomore Rachel Semos recently advanced to the Metropolis level of the St. John Chrysostom Oratorical Festival. The contest is an annual competition for all Greek Orthodox churches in America that provides teenagers the opportunity to write and talk about their faith. Competition began at the local level, moved to regional, then Metropolis, and finally the national competition. Entrants chose from several assigned topics, and Rachel chose the prompt: “Our lives are saturated with violence, not only in terms of the proliferation of war and terroism, but even as entertainment through movies and video games. In such an environment, how can a Christian cultivate virtues that lead to empathy, peace-making, and self-sacrifice?”
Rachel won the senior division at the regional level, and advanced to compete in Detroit at the Metropolis level as one of 8 regional winners. At the Metropolis competition, Rachel received honorable mention in her division.
Mrs. Semos, Rachel’s mother, said “[Rachel] has gained so much in her time at Westminster- notably in knowledge and confidence.”
We are proud to see WA students live out their rhetoric instruction and faith outside of the classroom. Congratulations, Rachel!