Twenty-one students were recognized Monday by the Ripon Unified school board for their efforts at the recent district-wide speech contest.

The event was made available to sixth- through- 12th- grade students.

Ripon High School's David Wang shared his speech to those in attendance at the open session held in the City of Ripon Council Chamber, speaking on freedom and prosperity as a son of an immigrant parent.

This was the third annual speech contest, according to RUSD Superintendent Ziggy Roberson.

The complete list included:

·         Sixth grade speakers – Samantha Loretelli (Colony Oak Elementary School), Samantha Wall (Ripon Elementary), Mia Hinrichsen (Weston Elementary), Luke Brannon (Park View Elementary), Aubrey Moorehead (Ripona Elementary).

·         Seventh grade speakers – Nathan Slikker (Colony Oak), Beauross Yan (Ripon El.), Sean Donovan (Weston), Isabella Franscella (Park View), Kayley Hernandez Sanchez (Ripona).

·         Eighth grade speakers – Nikell Goechkeritz (Colony Oak), Lauren Ruby (Ripon El.), Samantha Lackey (Weston), Harleen Kaur (Park View), Ashley Campos (Ripona).

·         Ninth, 10th grade speakers – Ripon High: Valerie Chun, Alizeh Ali, Jenna Skavdahl.

·         Eleventh, 12th grade speakers – RHS: Dillan Saltsman, David Wang, Morgan Peters.