Newark deaf student to compete for $1500

From: The Argus - Fremont,CA,USA - Apr 11, 2004

Speech-contest winner to vie for scholarship

By Jennifer Kho, STAFF WRITER

FREMONT -- The next time Andrew Greenman delivers his award-winning speech, the California School for the Deaf student will be competing for $1,500.

Greenman won the fourth annual Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in March. His speech "Thinking, Working and Expecting the Best" is about his struggles as a young teen and how staying positive helped him through difficult times.

He delivered his speech last week at a meeting of the Newark Optimist Club. The Optimists sponsored the local contest and will host the Pacific Central District competition -- including winners representing clubs in Northern California, Nevada and Utah -- in May. First prize is a $1,500 scholarship.

"I was very impressed by Andrew as a speaker and as a very gracious young man who shook everyone's hand before he left," Optimists President Jennifer

Gillette said.

"Andrew seemed to feel liberated by sharing his story with a hearing audience," club member and former president Russ Blowers said. "His enthusiasm was evident as he told the story."

Blowers said everyone seemed very moved and listened intently to his story.

"It was such a compelling story," he said. "They all felt very touched by it and by his courage to get up in front of people and talk about his life."

Marla Blowers, contest chairwoman for the Newark Optimists and the Pacific Central district, said Greenman has a very good chance of winning the district finals.

"Because of his positive attitude, Andrew has grown through the challenges he has faced," she said. "He's very confident and sure of himself with what he has to say. Listening to him makes me want to face my challenges with more strength and remember to stay positive and work my best."

The finals will be at 1 p.m. May 22 at the Newark Presbyterian Church, 35450 Newark Blvd.

Staff writer Jennifer Kho can be reached at (510) 353-7013.

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