San Antonio Academy
Mateo Nelson Named Winner of the 2025 W.T. Bondurant Jr. Oratorical Contest
Mateo Nelson Named Winner of the 2025 W.T. Bondurant Jr. Oratorical Contest
Posted February 27, 2025
San Antonio Academy proudly celebrates 7th grader Mateo Nelson as the 2025 W.T. Bondurant Jr. Oratorical Contest winner with his essay titled, "Not a Perfect Man."
Named in honor of W.T. Bondurant Jr., who served as SAA president from 1960 to 1985, this long-standing tradition challenges Middle School students to refine their public speaking skills — an essential component of The Academy’s curriculum. Each year, six students from grades 6-8 (two from each grade) present their personal essays before a panel of alumni judges, competing for the contest’s top honor. Their speeches are evaluated on structure, delivery, body language, and overall persuasiveness. This year, Mateo’s reflection on the impact of kindness earned him the winning title and opportunity to share his speech at chapel.
“Our Academy motto says to be kind,” Mateo shared. “That doesn’t mean to only be kind to people you know or are friends with. It means to be kind to everyone. Whether you know them or not. That is one of the many things that makes the Academy so special.”
Finalists were selected based on narratives written and read aloud in their English classes, and they then worked closely with their teachers to fine-tune their delivery. This year’s participants included:
- 6th Grade: Alex L. and John Wilson K.
- 7th Grade: Mateo N. and Merrit N.
- 8th Grade: Cuate S. and Ford A.
Congratulations to Mateo and all our talented 2025 Oratorical Contest finalists. A special thank you to our Academy alumni who volunteered their time to judge the contest.
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