Friday evening saw five of our students take part in the first round of the annual Catenians Public Speaking Competition. As part of their commitment to supporting young people within the community, the Catenians organise local competitions in all areas of the UK with the winners progressing through to the regional and national finals.
Each student prepared a four-minute speech chosen from an approved list:
Olivia Stevenson, Thomas Thorogood and Nic Jezierski – “A day to dream of”
Dona Josh – “3 wishes”
Ines Bonati – “Money has to serve not to rule” (Pope Francis)
The students were judged on appearance, oral skills, delivery and content by a panel of 3 judges. On announcing the winner, the judges said “In all the years we’ve hosted this competition, we feel these five speeches are the most thought-provoking we’ve ever heard.”
Congratulations to all the students who gave such impressive speeches. This made the judges deliberations extremely difficult. As a result, all of the students will be receiving gift vouchers this year. Huge congratulations to the night’s winner Dona Josh, who will now progress through to the regional heats to be held in Chester on 20th March.
Pictured L-R: Nic, Olivia, Dona, Roger Mullen (Chair of St Helens Catenians), Thomas and Ines