Chapel Speaking Program
Inspiring thoughtful communicators
The Chapel Speaking Program plays a vital role in the intellectual and spiritual life of St. Sebastian’s.
In conjunction with our Writing Program and Chapel experience, this cornerstone of our curriculum empowers students in every grade to write and speak confidently about topics important to them in a supportive environment. It's a fundamental and cherished part of the School's mission.
Developing Public Speakers
The foundation for strong writing and speaking skills is built in the lower grades.
Annually, each student in grades 7-11 writes and delivers a speech to his classmates during the weekly Chapel service. Faculty advisors meet individually with students to review their speeches and to provide instruction and encouragement on effective delivery techniques. After the speech is presented, the advisor celebrates its strengths and shares suggestions for improvement. This one-on-one relationship plays an essential role in each student’s growth as a writer and public speaker, from his first speech to his final speech senior year.
A Milestone Moment
The culmination of the Chapel Speaking Program is the Senior Chapel Speech.
Each week begins with an all-school gathering in our Corporate Chapel, where seniors deliver their speeches to an audience of more than 400 students and faculty. Whether it is a moving tribute to a parent or teacher, a humorous anecdote about time with friends, an intellectual passion, or a family tradition, each speech invites and stimulates discussion between faculty and students throughout the school day. Delivering this speech is a highlight of senior year and a rite of passage for every St. Sebastian’s student.
The Chapel Speaking Program unites classes as well as the entire school community.
Students and faculty gather to hear each student’s speech and the reflections on them that follow. In the intimate setting of our chapel, we witness the formation of articulate, thoughtful, and courageous young men.
STAND & DELIVER
The results of the Chapel Speaking Program are spectacular.
Students bring their written words to life, develop sound speaking habits, and engage their audiences with increasing effectiveness. Graduates of St. Sebastian’s leave with the experience and confidence to address a crowd, lead a discussion, and speak with conviction and poise.
What we have discovered over time is that the boys want to talk about what is in their hearts, what’s most important to them. More often than not this relates to our mission as a Catholic Independent School. I like to say about this phenomenon that we have our mission read back to us on a daily basis, when it is reinforced by our students who want to share their faith experiences with their classmates.
Michael Nerbonne
Assistant Head of School