GREAT FALLS — A couple of dual enrollment students and a nontraditional student earned top honors at the Currents of Connection speech symposium at Great Falls College on Friday night.
It was the third year Great Falls College held a speech symposium and the first time it was a cross-campus event with Helena College bringing a student to the competition.
Madysen Adams, a dual enrollment student at Great Falls College from Choteau, took home top honors with a speech titled “Address to the Public” that examined the United States’ treatment of immigrants.
Eden Garcia da Silva, a dual enrollment student at Helena College, talked about two miracles she experienced after her mother was involved in a horrific crash when Eden was young: her mother’s recovery and Eden’s ability to find her voice despite acute introversion through meeting those who reached out to help their family.
Jamie Resset, a nontraditional student in Great Falls College’s Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling program, spoke about the power of connection and its effect in his life.
“This symposium was a collaborative effort representing the depth and breadth of the amazing students in the Great Falls and Helena areas,” said Great Falls College communications instructor Dr. Amy Pearson, who founded the event. “It is inspiring to watch students grow and use their voices to shape our public discourse surrounding our theme of ‘Connection.’ Based on what we heard at the event, Montana has a bright future! I am honored to be part of it.”
Chayse Seaburg and Brooklynn Bourdeau from Great Falls College also participated.
“I am excited for Helena College and Great Falls College students to share their stories with one another and the broader community,” said Veronica Mohrmann, communications instructor at Helena College before the event. “This is an incredible opportunity for students to showcase their communications skills, and to highlight how meaningful discourse can foster empathy, understanding and connection in our communities.”
Jordan Lankford-Forster, an educator and Indian Education for All instructional coach in Great Falls Public Schools, gave the keynote address.
Pearson said the event will be held at Helena College next year.
The top three students earned scholarships of $250, $150 and $100.
Contact: Scott Thompson, Great Falls College marketing and communications director, 406-771-4314, [email protected]