Front row, l- r: Mary Catherine Newman, Lillian King, Anna Grace and Matthew Boney, Claire and John Davis, James Newman, Laura Listrom, Sarah and John Mark Porter. Second row: Shaine Moore, Ashley Listrom, Valarey Zimmerman, Caroline Hess, Anna Katherine Daley, John Aluri, Emily Letts, Madeline Knight, Anna- Bradley Bird, Elizabeth Daley, Chandler Zimmerman, Alaina Moore.Third row: Rebecca and Benjamin King, Mason Drummon, Sam Newman, Katie Marshall, Grace Porter, Sarah Newman, Anna Helen Marshall, Mary Beth Listrom, Cecily Davis. Fourth row: Karis and Elizabeth Bird, Christina Sabin, Meg Campbell, Joseph Steyne, Luke Porter, Ian Campbell, Samuel Hess, McBryde Campbell, Will Kent, Elise Porter.

What do Mother Goose, Jeremiah the prophet, and Patrick Henry have in common? Students who participated in the 2009 FACE Oratorium would be able to tell you. The words of these wellknown people, along with selections from Jane Austen, Robert E. Lee, and Edgar Alan Poe, were among those shared by young orators at the recent annual homeschool event.

The event, sponsored by Forest Acres Christian Educators (FACE), celebrates the spoken word by giving students of all ages an opportunity to memorize a poem, speech, or other piece of literary merit and present it to a large audience of family and friends.

Mrs. Daley, a member of the committee organizing the event, stated that the purpose of the Oratorium was "to teach articulate speech and logical thinking and to take away any fear of public speaking in our children."

Approximately 50 students, ages five through 19, presented at this year's performance held at North Trenholm Baptist Church on May 7. Many participants freely admitted to a few fluttering heartbeats as they took to the lighted stage and faced the dark sea of faces in the church's auditorium.

However, Matthew Boney, age six, participating for his first time, said he was very excited to be in front of everyone and share his piece, Ephesians 1:3- 10. His twin sister, Anna Grace, who recited the 10 Commandments, admitted to being nervous but said she had a lot of fun.

The two practiced about five minutes each day for several months to perfect their pieces.

Student's choices ranged from humorous poems like Grandpa Dropped his Glasses, presented by Mary Catherine Newman, age seven, to intense ballads like The Touch of the Master's Hand, recited by Anna Katherine Daley, age nine.

Christina Sabin, a ninth grader, who has participated in the Oratorium ever since age five, chose a favorite historical piece, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

Commenting on the benefit of this opportunity, long- time homeschool mother, Lisa Kent, stated, "John Locke said that practice in oratory trains chil- dren to speak in front of men. This gives them self- confidence, articulation, poise, and fun."

Deena Bouknight, mother and committee member, added, "It helps the children memorize things that will stick with them the rest of their lives. There may be an opportunity or time when they are put on the spot, and they need to speak up, and this helps prepare them for that."

Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to attend monthly practices in preparation for the big event. "This event is like the icing on the cake," shared Karen Porter, whose five children have participated for several years. "It ends the school year in a fun and rewarding way. We can all see and enjoy the children's progress — and enjoy a fun reception afterwards!"