Norfolk Academy
Senior Speech Program

Every Norfolk Academy senior must, as a graduation requirement, research, write, and deliver for a passing grade a persuasive speech before an assembly of Upper School students and faculty. The speech must:

• be approximately eight minutes in length

• be persuasive; it must discuss an issue for which there is more than one position/viewpoint

• be original and in good taste 

• be supported by research (a minimum of eight scholarly sources)

• not duplicate theses of other research papers or projects you have done (i.e. 9th grade speech, history papers)

Each year, the top three speakers, as determined by final speech grades, will compete for the Class of 1952 Award. The award winner is determined by a panel of outside judges and is announced at Graduation.

The schedule of senior speeches for the Class of 2023 will be available below once finalized.  

Click here to view the Prayers and Readings for Norfolk Academy Chapels.  

Program Director - Mrs. Lynn Paul