In 2003, a small group of parents in Draper came together to form a charter school; one year later, Summit Academy opened for grades kindergarten through sixth grade and became the city’s first charter school.

That first year, Summit held a speech festival, a tradition which continues to this year, Principal Lindy Hatch said.

Teacher Tamarin Youlton returned to volunteered to run the event and the top winners’ showcase. 

Students had about one month to select their pieces, memorize and practice them before classroom competitions were held. From there, the top students advanced to the finals on the school stage.

Winners in first-and second-grade oratory were Emberlin Steed, first place; Henry Buttars, second; Lily Barajas, third. In drama, Ruby Johnson, first place; Teddy Johnson, second; Preston Smuin, third.

Top third- and fourth-grade orators were Madeline Baik, first place; Andrew Smuin, second; Cooper Madsen, third. In drama, Madeline Hillstead, first; Evelyn Baker, second; and Zoey Overdiek, third.

Fifth- and sixth-grade oratory winners include Jayda Kehl, first place; Grace Sealy, second; Peyton Ford, third. In drama, Jordyn Smuin, first place; Caroline Dayton, second; and Berklee Mitchell, third.

In seventh and eighth grade, the winners were Clara Hughes, first place; Kinsley Hathaway, second; and Will Stoker, third.