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Storytelling prowess earns student year's top honor

Zachary Hoge of Southside Fundamental School used humor to win over judges.

By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published February 28, 2005

LARGO - A plaque that travels from school to school to honor the student deemed the county's best storyteller has returned to Southside Fundamental School.

Zachary Hoge, a Southside seventh-grader, beat youngsters from 14 other schools Feb. 17 at Bookarama, an annual book talk competition for middle school students.

The 12-year-old was coached by Emily Spiegel, the school's library information specialist, who coached former Southside student Helen Hau to the first-place spot in 2001 and 2002.

Spiegel also worked with Zachary last year, when he came in fourth place at Bookarama.

He did his talk this year on The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman, figuring a humorous presentation might earn him enough points for first place.

"I knew this book would make people laugh," he said. "I don't encounter many books nowadays that are funny."

Far from being nervous about making the three-minute talk in front of a packed conference room at the district's headquarters, Zachary relished the experience.

"Lots of people I know, my mom for example, don't like getting in front of people and talking," he said. "I'm not that way. I love speaking in front of people, and I'm not intimidated by them."

Zachary was among 30 students who won book talk competitions at their schools before the district contest. Each spent three minutes telling their listeners just enough about their books to pique interest.

A group of judges that included library information specialists, public librarians and professional storytellers scored the children on their ability to tell stories with a sequential plot and clearly defined characters. The students also earned points for their rate of speech, articulation and eye contact.

Enthusiasm also counted, Spiegel said.

"Bookarama is like an advertisement for a book," she said. "The students are trying to encourage everyone to read their book."

The contest also promotes reading, said Corinne McManning, student program coordinator for library media technology. It gives students a chance to improve their reading and comprehension skills along with their communication skills. The hope is that it will encourage students to create a list of the books they would like to read, she said.

Other Bookarama winners were Anneliese Delgado-Cate, Bay Point Middle School, second place; Zachary Mueller, Coachman Fundamental Middle School, third place; Dianna Boone, Coachman Fundamental Middle School, fourth place; and Courtney Elvira, Seminole Middle School, fifth place.

[Last modified February 28, 2005, 01:04:17]