NATCHEZ — Cathedral student Damira McGruder says her gift of gab comes from God.

“I think God gave me a gift to speak and tell others His message,” she said. “Especially kids because kids relate more to other kids than adults.

“I feel like He is using me to get to other people.”

Her comfort speaking in front of groups paid off recently as she took first-place honors in the Key Club’s oratorical contest.

The 15-year-old freshman was selected to address the entire Key Club convention.

“I think I used my personal experiences better and just showed the judges how I felt about becoming a social leader,” said McGruder, who was also the convention’s chair. “I think Key Club is a good organization, and I want as many students as possible to get involved.”

McGruder started her public speaking journey when she was 11. She would speak at the Mississippi Baptist Convention. The first year she participated, she won third place. She followed that up with two second-place finishes and finally this past year she placed first.

This was the first year the straight-A student could join Key Club. She was elected vice president and will serve as president this upcoming school year.

“Ever since I was little, I was brought up to be a leader,” she said. “At the time I joined, the Key Club needed someone who could step up because a lot of the other students just wanted to play sports.

“I’m focused on academics and service, not sports, so I felt like I could be the person to put my best foot forward for Key Club.”

McGruder said she loves Key Club because it focuses so much on service and academics, two things about which she is passionate.

“I have always liked to help people,” McGruder said. “It is something I have done since I was a kid.”

This year, the group was able to raise money for premature babies, clean up Duncan Park, paint the Stew Pot building and donate hours to the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

McGruder, the incoming Key Club president, said she already has projects lined up for next year.

“We’re going to have a kickball tournament to benefit the Stew Pot, and we’ll also do a raffle early on,” she said. “I also want to do some more big service projects during the year.”

While McGruder said she would always do public speaking on the side, what she really wants to do is become an obstetrician. She recently shadowed Natchez physician Dr. Frank Guedon for a day.

“He didn’t hold anything back,” she said with a laugh. “Which was good, because it showed me I really can do this.

“I just love to help people, and I feel like pregnancy is a time when women need some help.”