by Rachel Hunter
The Gouverneur High School presented the 122nd Dean Oratoricals Contest on Tuesday, April 21, in the GHS Auditorium, continuing one of the district’s most enduring academic traditions. Established in 1903 by sisters Cora and Jennie Dean, the annual monologue competition was created to encourage confidence, scholarship, and public expression among Gouverneur’s youth. More than a century later, the event remains a celebrated showcase of student poise and performance.
GHS English Teacher and Dean Oratoricals Advisor Michael Bason opened the evening by welcoming families, staff, and community members, noting the distinctive nature of the contest. “This isn't a debate, this is not a performance of a play, or a musical, or anything like that, this is truly a speaking competition,” Mr. Bason said in his welcoming address to the crowd. “And what you're going to see is a very talented group of individuals who have worked long and hard to memorize a monologue, and they're going to come out and entertain us with their voice.” He praised the contestants’ dedication, sharing that for some, “their first time on stage was the day of dress rehearsal… and you wouldn’t know it.”
This year’s judges included Nona Hilts (retired math teacher), Lisa Dunkelberg (science teacher), Judy Poticher (retired science teacher), and Janeen Streeter (GHS music teacher). Mr. Bason also extended gratitude to the Gouverneur Foundation for sponsoring the event, alongside appreciation to the Gouverneur CSD Board of Education, Gouverneur CSD Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly, GHS Principal Nicole Donaldson, GHS Assistant Principal Margeaux Davis, GHS Office Staff, and the GHS Custodial Staff.
The evening featured a wide range of dramatic and comedic monologues, from classic literature to contemporary television. After deliberation, judges awarded the top three placements:
First place honors went to Treyton Plantz, whose gripping performance of “Free Churro” from BoJack Horseman (written by Raphael Bob‑Waksberg) anchored the evening with emotional precision and darkly comic timing. Plantz delivered the monologue with a steady command of pacing and character, drawing the audience into its layered mix of grief, absurdity, and raw confession.
Second place honors went to GHS Senior Jaylynn Dalton, whose performance of “A Thing for Nerds” by D.M. Larson blended humor, warmth, and sharp character insight with an ease that immediately drew in the audience. Dalton delivered the monologue with a confident comedic rhythm, but also with an undercurrent of sincerity that gave the piece emotional shape. Her timing, expressiveness, and instinct for connection made the performance feel lived‑in rather than recited — a standout showing that demonstrated both skill and stage maturity.
Third place honors went to Laina Kurdziel, recognized for her poised and emotionally grounded performance of “Jo” from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Kurdziel brought a clear, steady intensity to the role, capturing Jo March’s blend of conviction, vulnerability, and restless ambition. Her delivery balanced restraint with feeling, allowing the monologue’s emotional turns to land naturally.
Avian Burt delivered a whimsical and quietly affecting performance of the “Tiny Desk Christmas Monologue” by Julian Koster of The Music Tapes. Burt leaned into the piece’s gentle surrealism, shaping it with a storyteller’s warmth and a steady sense of wonder. The performance had a soft, imaginative glow — confident, unhurried, and attentive to the monologue’s playful shifts in tone.
Kylie Gallagher brought charm and earnest energy to her selection from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown by Clark Gesner. Her delivery captured the comic innocence at the heart of the material, offering a bright, engaging interpretation that felt true to the spirit of Schulz’s world. Gallagher’s openness made the piece land with both humor and heart.
Alexis Biribauer offered a thoughtful and emotionally grounded reading from That’s NOT What Happened by Kody Keplinger. She handled the monologue’s introspective tone with maturity, giving space to its quieter moments while maintaining a clear, steady presence. Biribauer’s performance stood out for its restraint and its respect for the character’s internal conflict.
Tucker Nichols took the stage with intensity in his performance of Negan’s speech from The Walking Dead (“The Last Day on Earth,” created by Robert Kirkman). Nichols embraced the monologue’s menace and theatrical bravado, delivering it with sharp pacing and a commanding physical stillness. His interpretation balanced intimidation with control, creating a performance that was bold without tipping into excess.
Lorelei Slate presented a gentle, sincere interpretation of a monologue from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Slate approached the material with clarity and emotional honesty, allowing the character’s warmth and introspection to guide her delivery. The result was a performance marked by poise, sensitivity, and a strong connection to the text’s literary roots.
Thunderous applause rose again and again as the audience recognized the discipline, composure, and sheer dedication behind each student’s monologue. Mr. Bason conveyed the judges’ admiration for the students’ composure and courage, noting that whether seasoned or new to the stage, each performer demonstrated remarkable bravery and growth.
The Dean Oratoricals continues to be a point of pride for the Gouverneur Central School District, upheld through the commitment of educators, families, and the Gouverneur Foundation. Its longevity reflects both the Dean sisters’ legacy and the district’s dedication to preserving meaningful academic traditions. For those interested in learning more about the Deans and their contributions to Gouverneur’s history, additional information is available at gouverneurmuseum.com.
In closing, Mr. Bason underscored the importance of sustaining a tradition that has faded from many high schools, noting that its future depends on continued community support and student involvement. He encouraged more students to step forward next year as the contest moves toward its 123rd edition in 2027.
For more information about the Gouverneur CSD, visit www.gcsk12.org.