RI HOPE Chapter Showcase

"And now God is orchestrating a new band."

The RI HOPE Chapter Showcase was a beautiful picture of competent young communicators for Christ. The Student leaders emceed the event with formal introductions of the adult speakers, guidance of the Young Communicators for Christ program, the silly donut clap, and a creative competitive energizer. They definitely made a connection with the audience.

Sam Short, RI HOPE Chapter Sponsor, and Courtney Goglia, Assistant Chapter Sponsor, gave Young Speakers Guild (YSG) Phase 1 Certificates of Completion to Emma Arruda, Gabriella Goglia, Keyin McMurphy, and Hellen Zhang. As well as Young Speakers Guild Phase 2 Certificates of Completion to Rebecca Dutra and Helen Zhang.

The seven students presented entertaining speeches. Kye McMurphy testified about the perseverance he learned when he broke his foot at a basketball practice. Seth Fontenault presented "Frog and Toad," and Peter Derderian presented "The Missing Piece" for their YSG Phase 1 Storytelling Speeches. Ruth Short presented "Pride and Prejudice," and Emma Arruda presented "Mad Hatter's Tea Party" for their YSG Phase 2 Literary Interpretations. Aili and Benjamin King presented The Greatest Treasure for their YSG Phase 3 Cultural Storytelling. All were well spoken and well received.

The last speaker, Eliana Goglia, brought the audience to their feet with a resounding standing ovation when she presented "Titanic," a poem by local Christian Poet, Sarah Ashley. It was the highlight of the entire evening.

Sarah Ashley was in the audience with her daughter and parents, just marveling at God's goodness. Sarah told me that her heart desired to see a young person recite her poem and continue the message of the eight-member band who play for the glory of the Lord until they took their final breath.

In early April, Sarah was able to coach Elaina to instill in her the Holy Spirit-inspired message of "Titanic". On Friday night, Eliana was able to honor Sarah as she delivered her intentional message with urgency. The poem is a call to action. "Know Christ, Know your instruments key and song, Amongst glorified pandemonium, Use them, Play on".

Reach out to Courtney Goglia (courtney.goglia@iccinc.org) if you would like to join the RI HOPE Chapter for the 2025-2026 school year to start your journey of competent Christ-honoring Communication in a life-giving community.