A tenth grade student at Hemet High School, Brandon Davis, placed first in the Hemet Lion’s Club Student Speakers Contest. He will be advancing to the Zone Contest on March 8th. This year’s speech contest’s topic is “Is the Right to Privacy a Threat to Our National Security?”
Brandon discussed the fine line that must be drawn between the freedom of speech and the government’s right to protect its citizens. The speech is around seven minutes and he discusses everything from the Patriot Act to Pearl Harbor to September 11th.
“I was definitely nervous leading up to the speech,” said Brandon. This was his first time competing in a speech contest. “I think my mom and dad heard my speech maybe 50 times before the competition,” said Brandon. He practiced delivering his speech multiple times, worked on his annunciation and inflections. He said his goal was to make this speech relatable for the judges as well as himself. He began the speech by talking about growing up in Hemet his entire life. He described it as a quiet and private neighborhood and was able to connect the topic of privacy to his experiences.
Even though Brandon is only in 10th grade, he has his eyes set on the future. Brandon is hoping to attend Brigham Young University (BYU) after he graduates from Hemet High. He wants to major in business and become an entrepreneur. He said that competing in this speech contest was a little “out of the box” for him, but he was very interested in the topic. “Besides, it’s a great skill to have,” he said.
Aside from his interest in politics, Brandon is plays water polo and tennis for Hemet High and is a Boy Scout. He also enjoys watching American Ninja Warrior, in fact, he built obstacles inspired by the show to practice on. He is working on expanding the obstacle course but right now he has a salmon ladder, peg board, and ultimate cliff hangers.
Congratulations Brandon on advancing to the Zone Contest for the Lion’s Club 80th annual Student Speakers Contest. We wish you the best of luck!