2026 Oratorical Event Inspired as Always!

The Oratorical Event at the Academy of the New Church (ANC) Secondary Schools stands as a cornerstone academic tradition and a highly anticipated annual rite of passage for the student body. Orchestrated as the English Department’s premier showcase, the event gives chosen students a high-profile platform to step into the spotlight and speak authentically from the heart. Unlike rigid, standard speech tournaments or prompted political debates, ANC’s unique oratorical tradition emphasizes emotional vulnerability, critical thinking, and exceptional public communication. Historically, faculty members nominate a select group of students from across various grade levels based on their distinct writing capabilities and compelling voices. These students then enter a strict, confidential mentorship phase, collaborating secretly with English teachers for several weeks to draft and polish their original speeches before delivering them to a packed auditorium of peers, families, and the broader Bryn Athyn community. Spanning generations, this legacy has long fostered future leadership, encouraging students to challenge conventional wisdom and address profound philosophical inquiries.

The 2026 Oratorical Event masterfully continued this rich tradition, highlighting a diverse and talented lineup of nine student speakers who tackled a wide array of personal, motivational, and cultural themes. Several presenters chose to focus heavily on the complexities of individual identity and personal development. Olena Abakah-Williams shared an introspective, reflective journey of self-discovery in “Weaving Me,” which paired naturally with Morrison Williams’ exploration of life's balance in “A Perfect Mix” and Sadie Hasen’s intimate, localized perspective in “In a Small Way.” Overcoming adversity and personal growth were also central to the evening, as Joe Kimenour delivered a powerful message on resilience in “Living Through Failure,” while Samuel Evans provided actionable insights on self-improvement and keeping a sharp focus in “Sharpen the Saw.”

Other speakers turned their attention toward external communication, modern technology, and human aspiration. Oliver Orthwein analyzed contrasting perspectives and situational nuances in “Same Same, But Different,” while Aurora Gruber inspired the audience to look forward and aim high with “When Dreams Take Flight.” Kayla Pigg offered a timely, critical critique of modern creativity and technology in “ARTificial”, and Ryan Torres closed out the evening's thoughtful themes by exploring accountability, speech, and intent in “I Didn’t Mean It.” Collectively, the 2026 participants beautifully upheld the Academy's storied academic legacy, engaging their community with profound eloquence, courage, and original thought. Links to each of the speeches are listed below.

 

Oliver Orthwein - “Same Same, But Different”

https://youtu.be/nWVIuFCl3HI

 

Aurora Gruber - “When Dreams Take Flight”

https://youtu.be/V3rmr8IILoE

 

Joe Kimenour - “Living Through Failure”

https://youtu.be/R5G326bsV1c

 

Samuel Evans - “Sharpen the Saw”

https://youtu.be/322NRrtUD28

 

Olena Abakah-Williams - “Weaving Me’

https://youtu.be/hWkpZAze0gA

 

Kayla Pigg - “ARTificial”

https://youtu.be/W3soHpbd9J0

 

Morrison Williams - “A Perfect Mix”

https://youtu.be/VBAndNNrVWg

 

Sadie Hasen - “In a Small Way”

https://youtu.be/95t6zYcSwSM

 

Ryan Torres - “I Didn’t Mean It”

https://youtu.be/tCqXVjV7yoc