Madison Hensley '26 Wins Dickinson’s Public Speaking Contest
President Jones (right) and Associate Professor of Philosophy Amy McKiernan (second from left) pose with contestants, including winner Madison Hensley (fourth from right). Photo by Edward DeVos '28.
Student competitors reflect on who changed them—and prove that public speaking is a skill worth cultivating
by Tony Moore
Madison Hensley ’26 (law & policy, political science) took first place in Dickinson’s 2026 Public Speaking Contest, earning top honors among 35 students who spent two weeks writing, practicing and delivering speeches in response to this year’s prompt: “Changed for Good.”
Co-sponsored by the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy and Ethics Across Campus & the Curriculum, the contest culminated in a finals round on April 17 in Allison Great Hall, judged by President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11, and Alumni Council members Danielle Goonan ’07 and Alex Rojek ’25.
“Having all my hard work in this competition pay off means so much to me,” says Hensley, noting that her speech was inspired by a former child advocate who helped her through a difficult period. “As a low-income, first-generation student, college isn't always in the cards. It definitely isn't an easy system to navigate on your own. But I thought it would be worth the challenge if I were able to become like my advocate.”
The full video of the finals can be seen here.
An Art of Liberty
The prompt invited contestants to identify someone in their life who had changed them for good—exploring how a relationship had left a lasting impact and shaped who they are today. The responses, drawn from across the student body, were personal, reflective and, by all accounts, moving.
Tia Oberly ’26 (English, Political Science) finished in second place and Indigo Cadogan ’26 (English) in third. Runners-up were Sam Ritschel ’26 (classical studies), Jilliyn Iannace ’26 (classical studies, archaeology) and Jelena Subasic ’29.
“I’m so impressed by the commitment and talent demonstrated by all of the students who participated in the Public Speaking Contest this year,” says Associate Professor of Philosophy Amy McKiernan, the competition’s coordinator. “The contest requires students to write, practice and deliver speeches in ways that we hope will empower them to be strong public speakers in the next chapters of their lives. The liberal arts, or the arts of liberty, should offer students opportunities like this to practice eloquently speaking for themselves.”
The road to finals was a genuine gauntlet. All 35 contestants competed in two preliminary rounds on April 7 and 8, each delivering their speech twice. The top 15 advanced to a semifinal round on April 9, judged by 35 faculty and staff volunteers. The top six from semifinals earned a spot on the Allison Great Hall stage.
Growth of the Competition
The contest has grown quickly. Last year’s inaugural competition drew 17 participants; this year’s field was more than double that. Sophie Jones ‘28 (international studies, Spanish), who served as student coordinator for the second consecutive year, helped manage the contest alongside McKiernan and described the growth as a reflection the contest is something students are genuinely hungry for.
“This year’s theme ‘Changed for Good’ prompted incredibly insightful, reflective and moving speeches that gave students the opportunity to share part of their story and the stories of those they carry with them,” says Jones, Burgess Institute Student Ambassador & Project Coordinator. “Each year I’m reminded of the power that comes with being a confident communicator—a skill everyone, especially students, needs in today’s world. Public speaking literacy is a necessity and an asset regardless of one’s career or major, and I’m very grateful to be part of the work being done to introduce more opportunities for public speaking at Dickinson, as it amplifies the benefits of a liberal-arts education.”
Ready for What’s Next
Public speaking consistently ranks among the most common fears reported by Americans, which makes the courage required to participate all the more striking. Contestants had to prepare 5- to 6-minute speeches—not talking points, not bullet slides, but fully realized addresses delivered to an audience of peers, faculty and judges.
For Hensley, that preparation wasn’t just for the competition but for life.
“As a future attorney, I need to be good at public speaking, and this was a great way to learn my strengths and weaknesses,” says Hensley, noting that the pressure nearly caused her to drop out of the competition. “I’m so glad I stuck through it. I really did learn a lot and feel much more confident than I did before. I’m going to Penn State Dickinson Law after this semester. Now I feel more prepared to tackle that challenge when it comes.”
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published April 22, 2026