The 27th Purdue University North Central Hyde Park Forum Public Speaking Contest concluded with Amanda Christensen, of Chesterton, being named winner of the "Speak-Off" competition. 
The Hyde Park Forum brings together PNC students who present short speeches on various topics of current interest. Many participants are students in PNC's Communication 114 class.
This was the eighth year that Hyde Park Forum's first-place winners were brought together for the Speak-Off to compete for cash awards.
Speak-Off winner Christensen gave her speech on the topic "Ending Capital Punishment ." Second place went to Richelle Kmak, of Trail Creek, who addressed "Cell Phone Use While Driving." In third place was Ryan Lippold, of Hanna, with "Negative Effects of Barbie on Children."
Overall second place Hyde Park Forum winners were - Melissa Ringer-Clayton, of Hobart, who spoke on "Legalize Marijuana to Pay For Healthcare;" Marissa Olvera, of Westville, who presented, "Raising the Legal Drinking Age" and Amanda Groves, of Valparaiso, who spoke about "Running Marathons."
Overall third place Hyde Park Forum winners were - Kathryn Reynolds, of Portage, who presented the speech "Over-Medicating Elderly in Nursing Homes;" Jessica Dilling, of Michigan City, with "The Importance of Exercise" and Brianna Armato, of LaPorte, with "Learn Basic ASL Skills."
The Hyde Park Forum and Speak-Off are loosely based on London's Hyde Park, a public gathering place for speakers who wish to state their minds. Hyde Park has gained prominence as a reference to freedom of speech and intriguing speaking.