The Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation proudly announces the winners of the 2025 County Finals of the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Lutcher Theater. This prestigious event, a time-honored tradition since 1904, showcased the top-performing students from five Orange County public high schools, each having earned first-place honors in their respective school-level competitions.
2025 County Final Winners
In the Declamation category, Alexia White of Vidor High School secured 1st place with her commanding presentation of “Should Men Vote” by Nellie McClung, earning a $6,500 scholarship.
In Interpretive Reading, Hannah Edwards of Bridge City High School took 1st place for her compelling rendition of “A Dog’s Tale” by Mark Twain, also receiving a $6,500 scholarship.
The 2nd place award in Declamation went to Mariana Gonzales of West Orange-Stark High School for her impassioned delivery of “Statement to Congress on Illicit Steroid Use in Baseball” by Donald Hooton.
In Interpretive Reading, Piper McGee of Vidor High School earned 2nd place for her expressive performance from “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott.
Each second-place winner received a $3,500 scholarship, and all first and second-place winners were honored with commemorative plaques recognizing their achievements.
Continuing a long-standing tradition, Clyde “Tad” McKee, President and CEO of the Stark Foundation, personally presented commemorative watches to all County Final contestants, celebrating their dedication and excellence in literary and forensic performance.
“We want to congratulate the county winners, all local-level winners, and all finalists for their outstanding accomplishments,” said Tabitha Henderson, Coordinator of the Stark Reading Contest. “This year’s contest was truly fantastic. Each of the 98 participants, from the school preliminaries to the County Final, should be applauded for their hard work and dedication.”
The Foundation also recognized the invaluable contributions of local school contest directors, including Ron Chevalier (Orangefield High School), Melanie Claybar (Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School), Mason Franco (West Orange-Stark High School), Hannah Landry (Bridge City High School), and Stacy Webb (Vidor High School), for their efforts in coordinating the event and mentoring students.
Since its inception in 1904, the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation has played a vital role in the Stark Foundation’s mission to enrich the community and encourage education. By promoting literary and public speaking excellence, the contest continues to provide valuable educational opportunities for Orange County high school students.
“We are incredibly proud of these talented students and their commitment to excellence in literary and public speaking skills,” said McKee. “Their dedication and hard work reflect the high standards of this long-standing contest, and we look forward to seeing their continued success.”
For more information about the Miriam Lutcher Stark Contest in Reading and Declamation, please visit starkfoundation.org.
