“My Home” Takes Center Stage at the Dannis B. Eaton Speech Competition

Students from across the College of Communication and Media (CCOM) and the University came together to share powerful stories at this year’s Dannis B. Eaton Speech Competition on Nov. 10, hosted by the Public Speaking Resource Center. 

Professor Meghan Gill, the program’s new coordinator, led this year’s event by continuing Dr. Marylou Naumoff’s longstanding vision of encouraging broader student participation and providing a platform for students to express their perspectives on timely and meaningful topics. 

Five students representing a wide range of majors (from Molecular Biology to Animation and VFX) took center stage: Gabriella Caracappa, Elisa Cintron, Yara Jamhour, Ayden Lalanne, and Joshua Ramirez Capistran.

The theme, “My Home,” invited students to interpret the concept broadly, whether it be a physical dwelling, a place of identity and belonging, a source of security, an emotional sanctuary, a foundation for growth, or a place of treasured memories. They were reminded that “home” extends beyond bricks and mortar. It can be a feeling, a concept or a uniquely personal sanctuary. The speeches that followed explored cultural heritage, religion, community belonging and the search for safety and identity.

The judging panel included Professors Paulette Gando-Dueñas, Patrick Hill, and Laureen LeFever.

Students received prizes for first place ($100), second ($75), and third ($50).

• 1st Place: Ayden Lalanne – “What Is Home?”
• 2nd Place: Yara Jamhour – “The Scent of Home”
• 3rd Place: Gabriella Caracappa – “Welcome Home: Where Belonging Lives”

“It was an honor receiving 2nd place but even more so to interact with such an amazing group of talented public speakers. Each contestant taught me something new about presenting that I will keep with me. I hope to continue to grow my skills using what I’ve learned from this excellent experience,” said Carcappa.

CCOM plans to expand participation next year, continuing the tradition of celebrating student storytellers and supporting their growth as confident communicators.

About The Dannis B. Eaton Speech Competition:

The competition began prior to the founding of the College of Communication and Media, when the Communication Studies program existed as a single department. It was named in honor of Dannis B. Eaton, a beloved professor who championed public speaking excellence and inspired generations of students.

Story by: Amanda Saintina

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About the College of Communication and Media: The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in  New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.