Catholic Education Week Peaks with Scripture Reading Competition
The Intermediate Scripture Reading, a highlight among various events during Catholic Education Week by the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, demonstrated the Gospel values through the leadership of young Catholics. Hosted by the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) – Hamilton-Wentworth Elementary Unit and the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board Trustees, the Intermediate Scripture Reading showcased the pinnacle of Catholic education.
This year, the event took place at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School on May 8, coinciding with the middle of Catholic Education Week, and featured two seventh graders and two eighth graders from each participating school. The students took turns reading selected Scripture passages of their choice.
The evaluation focused on delivery, etiquette, and overall deportment, according to organizers. Points were awarded based on reverence, posture, appearance, comfort level, enunciation, volume, pitch, pace, and eye contact.
Although scores were tallied, all participants received formal recognition during a closing ceremony and two students from each class were honuored with Honourable Mention Awards.
Established in 1990, the Intermediate Scripture Reading aims to actively and visibly celebrate the Word of God among students. Each year, hundreds of seventh and eighth graders from across the system participate, focusing on honing their public speaking abilities, with particular emphasis on delivery and deportment rather than writing and speech preparation.