Southland Academy hosted its Lower School Speech Contest for third graders recently. Each third grader met the requirements for the speech assignment, presented their speeches to their classmates, and completed the semi-final round of the competition. Hays Hagerson, son of Chris and Caty Hagerson, earned 1st place with his presentation of ‘The Strikeout.; Gracie Usher, daughter of Chip and Julie Usher earned 2nd place with ‘The Braves Game.’ Receiving 3rd place with ‘The Worst/Best Basketball Game Ever’ was Ryan Peck, son of Nathan and Allison Peck. Other third-grade students who presented their speeches as finalists were: Lanier Yeiser, Miller Anne Pryor, Emmie Graft, Tillman Fowler, Wes Brock, Lucy Duke, and Gamble Wiggins. Shown are back row, Tillman Fowler, Wes Duke, Lucy Duke, Lanier Yeiser, Emmie Graft, Miller Anne Pryor; and front row, Gracie Usher, Hays Hagerson, Ryan Peck).