News And Events

ESU Happy Hour Series

Welcome to ESU Happy Hour! The ESU has planned a series of programs to connect and reach out to our members through programs that are engaging, fun, and informative on a wide variety of topics. Happy Hour programs bring to you guest speakers live and free of charge.  Speakers may also suggest a unique cocktail for you to create and enjoy at home. These programs are designed so ESU members and guests can learn and interact with our outstanding speakers. Many speakers will provide exciting participation opportunities with fun give away books and products at the end of each program.

Read the full story for a complete listing of the first six speakers in the program!

 

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2020 National Shakespeare Competition Winner

National ESU 2020 Online Shakespeare Competition  -  Jordyn Jenkins, a senior from the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, KY was the first ever Online ESU Kentucky Branch Shakespeare Competition Winner.  We were most proud of her performance and she placed third in the Online National Shakespeare Competition.  Congratulations and best wishes to Jordyn as she pursues a performing degree and to her teacher Katherine Blackerby Weible!

 

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Kentucky Branch Online Shakespeare Competition

A special thank you to all who participated in the first-ever Online E-SU KY Branch Competition.  We all participants and teachers for their willingness to go above and beyond to send entries and bring outstanding performances to our esteemed judges. Our heartfelt congratulations to all for your perseverance and support. I ask that you please notify your students of the results.

The judging team was: Dr. John Gatton, Zan Sawyer Dailey,  and Baron Kelly

The Finalists are: 

1st - #3 Jordyn Jenkins - Monologue# 220 Jailer's Daughter and Sonnet #127
Youth Performing Arts School - Teacher - Katie Backerby Weible

2nd- #2 Helena Schatzki - Monologue # 167 Lady Anne and Sonnet #96
Lafayette High School - Teacher -Amie Kissling

3rd - #4 Holly Kissel - Monologue # 147 Iago and Sonnet #130
Presentation High School - Teacher - Ashley Beck

Below is the link for the Google ESU monologues. Please share this link with family and friends to enjoy the competitor's work.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/B43c9jPLWvBar25Z8

One student's performance is available on youtube.  Here is that link.

https://youtu.be/m3QzCrIdw9c

 

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British Isles Cuisine Competition Program Results

Sponsored by Sullivan University
College of Hospitality Studies
with scholarships by the English-Speaking Union,
Kentucky Branch

Congratulations to all of the student chef participants! 

Last night was the British Isles Cuisine Competition and both the English-Speaking Union and Sullivan University staff and instructors were so pleased with the professionalism and enthusiasm of every team who participated.  Over 200 people attended the event in the beautiful Pendennis Club Ballroom and had a grand time voting for their favorites between bites of delicious delicacies researched, cooked and prepared by all of the participating student chefs.

The food from every team was amazing and the judges must have had a very difficult time making the decision on the winners.  and there seemed to be strong interest in having a repeat competition next year.  Chef Dodd and Chef Sams provided attendees with amazing insights as the evening drew to a close.

The final results were as follows:

1st Place Winners, $2500.00 Scholarship 
Scotland     Chaz Panagacos    Cliff Rice

2nd Place Winners, $1000.00 Scholarship
England      
Ben McClelland       Kevin McGee                    

3rd Place Winners, $500.00 Scholarship
Ireland
         Ed Schuler              Jake Stone   

Wales           Grace Alexander     Brandon Schieferle

Our thanks to everyone who made the evening a great success. 

Click here to see pictures from the event!

Sincerely,

Kate S. Nitzken
President
English-Speaking Union, Kentucky Branch

 

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2019 Christmas Party

Harpist Jessica Hayden provided beautiful ambiance and carols for guests and branch members.

The 2019 Dickens Christmas Party was a success!  Guest enjoyed the beautiful music of harpist Jessica Hayden as well as a Christmas Carol performance by past Kentucky Branch Scholar Brandon Meeks. The evening was topped off with a gift basket from Buckingham Palace and English Toffee treats for each guest.  A wonderful time was had by all in attendance.

Members and guest enjoyed a delicious meal at the Pendennis Club

Many of the scholars chosen to attend the UK during 2020 were present and shared their excitement about their upcoming studies.

Brandon Meeks, an Equity actor, and prior branch TLAB scholar, shared an outstanding one-man performance of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol."

Vice-President Sylvia Bruton and member Rita Bell congratulate Brandon after his stellar performance.

Click here to view more photos

A very special thank you for all of the party images to Sarah Herron Photography. 

 

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The English-Speaking Union

Kentucky Branch