On April 2, South Side High School junior Michael Spelfogel was awarded third place in the United States Finals of the English Speaking Union's 2013 International Public Speaking Competition.
The competition, which engages more than 40,000 young people globally, showcases the highest standard of public speaking by individuals ages 16-20 from more than 50 countries around the world.
The theme of this year's competition was: A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand. Encouraged to enter the prestigious competition by his high school public speaking teacher Pamela Seiderman, Spelfogel delivered a five-minute speech entitled "Economic-based Affirmative Action in Higher Education," before a live panel of judges.
Spelfogel said he chose the controversial topic because it is an issue currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas and is expected to be decided in June.
The judges praised his choice of topics, noting it "does not have easy answers." They commended Spelfogel for his extensive research on the subject, as well as adeptly fielding questions at the conclusion of his speech.
The judges encouraged him to participate in the competition, which is dominated by college students, again next year for a chance to represent the United States in the international finals held in London.
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