A Carmel College student has achieved outstanding success after placing third in a regional public speaking competition held at Liverpool Hope University.

Layla Gallagher, who previously won the Carmel Catenian Public Speaking competition at college level, went on to represent Carmel at the regional event, competing against students from across St Helens, Liverpool, Wirral and Chester.

Layla impressed judges with her confident and engaging delivery, as well as her passion for her chosen topic, “Beyond the credits. Why books endure.” Her speech stood out for its clarity, presence and thoughtful exploration of the enduring value of literature.

Her performance earned her an excellent third-place finish in a highly competitive field, marking a significant achievement at regional level.

Staff at Carmel College praised Layla for her commitment and professionalism, highlighting how well she represented the college throughout the competition.

The college community extends its congratulations to Layla on her success and looks forward to seeing her continue to develop her public speaking skills in the future.