Five students from Oakdale High School tackled the topic “How Can We Stand Up to Sexism?” at this year’s Speech Trek Contest on Thursday, Feb. 22 sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Oakdale Riverbank Escalon Branch.

Under the direction of OHS speech teacher, Denise Springer, the students spoke about the need to break down stereotypes and biases in school, at work, and in our communities. Kendal Houck took first place, Jennifer Reeves placed second, and Alex Stevens won third place. The three winners each took home a cash award.

According to Jane Griffith, coordinator of the local competition, Speech Trek is open to all California high school students. It begins on the branch level with a speech tournament for local students. A DVD of each first place winner’s speech is then sent to the state judges and the contest culminates with three top statewide finalists performing their five-minute speeches at the AAUW California convention/annual meeting in April.