CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Six Parkland College students were awarded scholarships at the 23rd annual David M. Jones Persuasive Speech Contest on Thursday, April 30, with a Champaign student taking top honors.

Jeff Chahyadi of Champaign won first place and a $500 scholarship for his speech supporting Crisis Nursery, a local nonprofit that will also receive a $500 donation from Parkland’s Communication program faculty in his name.

“I knew Crisis Nursery is one we have in town,” Chahyadi said. “I wanted to do something locally. I chose it and researched a lot about it. I believe in their cause.”

Thirteen students competed in a preliminary round, with six advancing to the finals. Other scholarship recipients and their chosen charities were Maya Baker of Urbana, second place and a $250 scholarship for Partners in Health; Simone Osborne of Brazil, third place and a $100 scholarship for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and finalists Charles Francis of Gibson City, Grace Parker of Waynesville, Missouri, and Brenda Gonzales Salinas of Champaign, each receiving $50 awards for The Trevor Project, Champaign Public Library Foundation, and United We Dream, respectively.

Baker reflected on what the experience meant to her.

“Participating in this contest added fuel to my confidence and made me realize just how far hard work and trusting yourself can take you,” she said. “The confidence you build from becoming comfortable with your speech will propel you through the nerves of speaking in front of a crowd.”

For more information about the contest or Parkland’s Communication program, contact Jody Littleton at jlittleton@parkland.edu.