Zhou ’27 to Represent U.S. At International Public Speaking Competition

From the stage of Colony Hall during the Pratt-Packard Declamation Contest to the heart of Manhattan, Katherine Zhou ’27 has proven time and time again that she has a way with words.

On April 24, 2026, Katherine made her way to the Big Apple for the English-Speaking Union of the United States' (ESU) National Public Speaking Finals. Competing against other high-achieving students, she met the moment as she delivered a captivating speech inspired by the competition's theme — “Churchill & Eisenhower, Free Speech, Civic Responsibility, & Democratic Dialogue." In the end, she walked away as the 2026 ESU National Public Speaking Winner, joined by finalist Sanaa Roberts.

"She sees the ESU International Competition not only as the honor it is, but as something rarer—an opportunity to meet extraordinary young people from across the globe, to listen to their perspectives, share her own, and deepen her understanding of the world through genuine exchange," a statement from ESU reads. "Katherine believes that each conversation expands the way she thinks—making her more thoughtful, more attentive, and better prepared to engage with and represent others in whatever path she pursues."

As mentioned, Katherine was a finalist in the 2026 Pratt-Packard Declamation Contest. In addition to her public speaking endeavors, she was also elected Student Council Vice President for the 2026-2027 academic year. With Student Council President Ben Lee ’27, she'll help bring her classmates' thoughts, ideas, and opinions to life through thoughtful initiatives, programs, and events, and much more. She also spends a good amount of time balancing her academics with her role as a violist in the Choate Rosemary Hall Symphony Orchestra. To top it all off, she'll be preparing for the college application process, as she plans to study statistics and political science.

While she'll have a lot on her plate heading into her final year at Choate, Katherine will enjoy a well-earned trip to London this summer. On July 13-18, 2026, she'll represent ESU-US at the ESU International Public Speaking Competition.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of the English-Speaking Union of the United States' (ESU) International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC)

Editorial Credit: Ryan Shepard '14 is the Manager of Editorial Services at Choate Rosemary Hall, bringing 10+ years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and content strategy.