Airline High Senior Wins $300 Oratorical Scholarship

Kang Sahn Noh walked onto the stage at the Optimist Club of Bossier City's oratorical contest and delivered a speech that earned him $300 and a medal. The Airline High School senior beat out competitors from across the region to claim first place in the annual competition that rewards students for their speaking skills.

The contest, run by the Optimist Club of Bossier City, recognizes young people who can communicate their ideas with clarity and confidence. Noh's winning speech demonstrated exactly those qualities, impressing judges enough to earn him the top prize.

Second place went to Om Ganapathy, a ninth grader from Benton Middle School, who won $200 and a medal. Eleventh grader Nicholas Duck from Benton High School rounded out the winners, taking home $100 and a medal for third place.

The competition brought together students from different schools and grade levels, creating a space where ninth graders competed alongside seniors. That mix of ages and experience levels shows how the Optimist Club values student voice regardless of where someone is in their academic journey.

Why This Inspires

Public speaking ranks among the most common fears for both adults and teenagers, yet these three students stepped up to share their ideas anyway. The scholarship money rewards not just talent but courage, sending a message that finding your voice matters.

The Optimist Club's investment in student speakers creates a ripple effect beyond the cash prizes. Students who develop strong communication skills gain tools they'll use in job interviews, college applications, and community leadership for years to come.

For Noh, the $300 can help with college expenses or other educational goals as he prepares to graduate from Airline High School. Even more valuable than the money might be the confidence that comes from knowing his words resonated with others.

These three students proved that Louisiana's next generation has something worth saying.