The English Speaking Union is an international organization dedicated to fostering scholarships in English. The local Sandhills Chapter is annually active in several programs including the recently inaugurated Moore County High Schools participation in the National Shakespeare Competition.
Twenty years ago the National Office of E.S.U. founded the competition. Since then 175,000 students have participated. It is open to students from all backgrounds and of varying abilities; it is not just an elite pursuit reserved for the academically gifted. The program is effective- it reaches young people and captures their attention- because of Shakespeare’s brilliant use of language, his skill as a storyteller, his insight into the human condition and the timelessness and university of his themes.
The winner of the National Shakespeare Competition receives an all expense paid Shakespearean summer study tour in Great Britain. Runner-ups receive cash awards. The local competition will be held at the Sandhills Community College on Friday, Feb 27, at Owens Auditorium, 1 to 3 pm.
The local winner will go to Greensboro to compete in the regional competition. The winner of the regional will go to New York City for the national finals.
Dr. Chris Fonvielle is eminently qualified, with a vast background, to present an address on the Civil War. For more information on membership in ESU, call Martha O’Conner at 235-0635 or Jane Galan at 215-5645.
