MOUNT VERNON — Danville dominated the all-day 2010 Knox County Speech Contest, held Thursday in the First Presbyterian Church.

The competition, coordinated by John Jurkowitz of the Knox County Educational Service Center, is planned annually as an academic achievement activity. While preparing for the competition, students gain skills in writing, vocal and physical expression, self-confidence and literature interpretation.

Students from Centerburg, Clear Fork, Danville and East Knox showcased those skills as they competed for honors in a variety of categories: Dramatic literature, poetry, Shakespeare, original oratory, humorous literature, declamation, and chamber theater.