Midlakes students Emma Mae White (Class of 2029) and Rylan Potter (Class of 2029) recited the Gettysburg Address during the local Memorial Day celebration. Their deliveries were part of a contest sponsored by the Phelps American Legion Post 457 and supported by members of the National Junior Honor Society.
The contest was open to seventh and eighth graders and had members of NJHS support students as they worked on speaking in front of a crowd with poise and confidence while delivering Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech.
Potter called the experience incredible and performed confidently. He was invited back to the American Legion after the event concluded. There, he met with veterans, taking in stories from the past. Potter even met former Midlakes social studies teacher Mr. Jeff Beall, who himself is a veteran and taught both Stephanie and John Potter, Rylan’s parents.
White was met with countless well-wishes after her turn, finishing the project completely from memory. One moved on-looker said she was moved to tears. White herself became emotional in her final lines, coming to terms herself with this being her last year to present the Gettysburg Address.
The speech, part of the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery, reflects upon the sacrifice soldiers gave for their country four and a half months after one of the Civil War’s key battles.
White and Potter continue a tradition of Midlakes students participating in the contest, with White representing Clifton Springs and Potter representing Phelps. The pair recited the address during the community’s local Memorial Day event/parade. Each student also received a monetary award from the Legion for their efforts.
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