Local Schools participate in “Youth Speaks” competition

On 17th November, the first round of the Rotary Club’s nationwide Youth Speaks competition was held at St Georges School Ascot. A total of 12 teams took part from 3 schools, Charters, St George’s and St Mary’s. The competition is divided into a Seniors and Intermediates competition and on this occasion had six teams in each. Each team consists of three speakers, a Chair, a main Speaker and a Vote of Thanks.

The standard achieved by these young people was most impressive. Each team is allowed to choose their own subject to talk about and it was clear that a lot of hard work had gone in to their presentations. The main focus behind the competition is to develop skills in public speaking and this has the attendant benefit of improving self-confidence and organisational skills. Three Adjudicators (all very experienced teachers and experts in this field) judged each section.

In the Intermediate event, the best team award went to St Mary’s Team C consisting of Chair; Hebe Bourne, Speaker; Lucy Gaynor and Vote of thanks; Derbhia Slevin. Their subject was “From Bearded to Beautiful”. The prize for the best individual speaker went to Anna Blackburn from St George’s Team B.

In the Senior event, the best team award went to Charters Team A consisting of Chair: Harriet Crofton, Speaker; Rebecca Quillish and Vote of Thanks; Anjali Mehta. Their subject was “Proud to be British”. The prize for the best individual speaker went to Artimis Moghaddam from St George’s Team A.

All competitors received certificates from the Rotary Club and the winners received additional trophies and gifts from the Club.

Tonight’s winning teams go forward to the next round of the competition, where other clubs in the District will send their winning teams, and which will be held in the New Year.