Regina Coeli Students Find Their Voice

One of the most cherished traditions at Regina Coeli Academy is the
annual Declamation Contest — a living expression of the classical
conviction that to speak well is to think well. Rooted in the ancient
trivium, declamation has long been central to a classical education.
Quintilian wrote that students must “learn to speak by speaking, and
Dorothy Sayers, in her landmark essay “The Lost Tools of Learning”
(1947), argued that rhetoric-trained students emerge as confident,
persuasive communicators for life.

Preparation

Preparation begins in December, when students choose a
piece to declaim. In the weeks that follow, each grade group works
weekly with teachers and a declamation coach. Students are judged on
delivery and flow, voice, posture, appropriate gestures, and overall
effect.

Timing is critical — performing over or under the required
length costs 8 points, making careful rehearsal essential.

Here are the categories for each grade level participating:

Grades 3–4 | Poetry: Memorized poem, 1:30–2:00 minutes
Grades 5–6 | Prose: Prose selection, 2:00–2:30 minutes
Grades 7–8 | Oration: A great histor ical speech, 3:00-3:30 minutes

Distinguished Judges and Returning Alumni

This year R.C.A. brought together an exceptional group of judges.
Elizabeth Buentello (RCA Class of 2017), Anna Castagno (RCA Class of
2016), and Joel Kaceli (RCA Class of 2022) returned as alumni judges,
sharing vivid memories of their own declamation pieces. Monica
Clarke, past RCA teacher and current ICLE faculty member , brought
her classroom expertise to the panel. Mary Finnegan, a published poet,
offered a discerning literary eye. Anna Maria Hazel, Director of
Development at Martin Saints Classical High School, joined as a fellow
classical educator. Father Janton, pastor of Our Lady Help of
Christians, honored the event with his presence. Kaitlyn McMahon, a
national collegiate speech and debate winner, brought competitive
expertise. And Dr. Lizanne Pando, President of St. Hubert’s High
School, and Susan Fetta, retired teacher and public speaking trainer,
rounded out a judging panel of remarkable depth and distinction.

A Skill That Lasts

Alumni consistently tell us that declamation stands out as one of their
most formative experiences at RCA. Having learned to stand, speak,
and be heard at an early age, they arrive at high school and college
having already conquered what holds many peers back: the fear of
public speaking. They describe greater ease in everyday conversations,
in academic presentations, and in making their voices heard — proof
that the classical tradition, carried forward with care, shapes not just
students, but the people they become.