Nichols community tunes in to first virtual speech competition
April 16, 2020
When it comes to certain traditions at Nichols College, the show must go on, even during a pandemic. The technical innovation and know-how that enabled Nichols to swiftly transition to online classroom instruction also proved to be a valuable resource for staging its 8th Annual Elevator Speech Competition on April 15.
Using Zoom technology and the Nichols YouTube channel, the college produced and live-streamed the event, which featured 15 student contestants each delivering a 60-second extemporaneous speech. Students were lauded for their participation, which required venturing outside their comfort zones and putting their communications skills to the test. The event has garnered more than 1,000 views, comprising family, friends and members of the Nichols community who tuned in and cheered them on.
Benjamin Carbone ’20 served as master of ceremonies, with judging provided by Nichols President Susan West Engelkemeyer, Fran Carlo ’90, and Jason Sweet ’04. 
This year’s participants were  Zoe Adams ’23, Joseph Baffoni ’23, Nicole Burdiel ’23, Muhammed Camara ’23, Julia Carroll ’23, Mackenzie Doran ’23, John Fallon ’23, Rebecca John ’20, Ashlyn Kelly ’23, Ryan O’Connell ’23, Rudyver Ogando-Perez ’22, Tara Ostromecky ’23, Sophia Prouty ’20, Alex Stroshine ’20, and Hannah Vangel ’21.   
The winners were Alex Stroshine ’20 and Hannah Vangel ’21, in an unprecedented tie for first place, followed by Mackenzie Doran ’23.
Event link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw27ikJVEks