COLUMN: Carillon Flashback – November 10, 1966 – Neufeld top orator in six school divisions

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This article was published 01/01/2024 (443 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Grade 12 Steinbach Collegiate student, representing Hanover School Division, took first place in a regional oratorical competition at St Norbert. Eric Neufeld edged out speakers from five neighboring school divisions to earn a berth in the provincial finals.

Representing Agassiz Division was Brian Bernard of Powerview Collegiate. Emerson’s entry in the contest was Valerie Caspar of the Boundary Division. From Ste Agathe came Sharon Parker of the Red River Division. Louise Proteau of Ste Anne Collegiate represented the Seine River Division, and Scott Kennedy of Springfield represented the Springfield-Transcona Division.

Each of the contestants, introduced by Hanover board chairman Albert Loewen, had a maximum of five minutes to give a prepared talk on a subject of their choice.

Eric Neufeld spoke in defence of the American intervention in Vietnam. He defended the American theory of containment, arguing the communists must be stopped in Vietnam or they will not be stopped at all.

Those who remember the words of Neville Chamberlain in World War II, “Peace in our time,” well know the futility of large-scale concessions, Neufeld said.

“Although a peaceful solution is improbable, negotiations must continue. It’s too late to withdraw,” he concluded.

Valerie Caspar of Emerson spoke on the value of being a self-starter.

“The man destined for success makes every minute useful.”

Caspar’s speech earned her a place among the best three of the night. Louise Proteau of Ste Anne Collegiate was the third finalist named after the first round of speeches.

Proteau spoke on the approach of young people to life in general.

“Too many of our youth live for the future, always thinking of tomorrow. Why not live for today and be happy instead of worrying about the future.”

After retiring to compare notes, the three judges selected the three finalists who would give impromptu speeches, on their choice from a list of 10 topics.

Judging the competition were J.W. Chafe, a Winnipeg school principal, Sister Lucille of St Boniface and Justice Monnin of the Manitoba Court of Appeals.

Valerie Caspar was the first impromptu speaker, choosing to talk about Beatle haircuts. She said students should not be expelled on account of them. “They are merely a passing fad and should not be taken seriously.”

“A woman’s place is not in the home” said Louise Proteau, in her impromptu speech. “We have as much right to do as we please as do men. We also have special talents and should be allowed to develop them.”

Last of the impromptu speakers was Eric Neufeld, who came out in favor of compulsory military service.

“Communist countries can call up all the manpower it needs. In order to fight communism, we must do the same.”

After retiring again, Chafe announced the decision of the judges. They selected Eric Neufeld as the winner and Valerie Caspar as the runner-up.

Dr F.P. Doyle of the Seine River Division pinned the gold lapel pin and silver lapel pin on Eric and Valerie respectively.