Each year the diocese of Brooklyn holds the Sister Peggie Merritt Memorial Oratorical Contest. This year’s competition was held at Our Lady of Mercy in Forest Hills, Queens. Eighteen Catholic students from Brooklyn and Queens competed this year.

Sister Peggie Merritt was a dedicated educator to the Catholic faith for over 60 years. Sister Peggie founded the Diocesan Oratorical Contest many years ago. After her passing in 2006 it was renamed in her memory.

The winning student was Mia Lopez of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy in Astoria, Queens. Denzel Washington’s “Fall Forward” speech is what earned her first place. Many students chose famous historical speeches from important figures like President John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchhill, Princess Diana, and President Barack Obama.

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Image credit goes to the Brooklyn Diocese Press Office.