Six of our Year 13 girls admirably accomplished themselves at the Fermanagh heat of the Soroptimists’ International Public Speaking Competition on Thursday evening, with our pupils taking 1st and joint 3rd places!
At the 40th annual event, once again Enniskillen Royal Grammar School pupils displayed great confidence and craft in presenting their views on a range of topics that covered the areas in which Soroptimist International is involved: People; Planet; Prosperity; Partnership; Peace; and Health.
Darcey Crawford and Sarah Walsh challenged the audience with two passionate discourses on Young people are questioning that university is a compulsory transition to employment. Are these assumptions now valid? Bethany England urged us to take heed of Worsening mental health? Is this the new epidemic?Treasa Parolical delivered an enthusiastic exposition on “How do values-based politics better shape global society?” whilst Anna Gilmore and Emma Little planted a seed of hope in the audience’s mind when discussing The right tree in the right place. Is the rush to plant more trees across our country misguided?
Whilst the competitors and audience were treated to tea and biscuits in Fermanagh House, the judging panel deliberated and cogitated for more than 40 minutes before agreement was found. The audience reflected on their happiness at not having to pick a winner, such was the excellent standard of the girls’ speeches. This difficulty was confirmed by the lead judge, Ms Mary Cunningham, CEO of the National Youth Council of Ireland, who noted the calibre of research, rhetoric and presentation skills shown by all ten competitors from Enniskillen Royal and Mount Lourdes Grammar Schools.
Treasa Parolical was awarded first place, with the judges noting the quality of her thoughtful and insightful analysis of global and national values and politics. Reflecting the tough choices the judges had to make, they decided to award a shared third place, with Anna Gilmore and Bethany England clinching the bronze position on the podium.
The experience afforded the girls the chance to gain skills and confidence in communication, presentation and persuasive skills. All competitors were presented with a certificate of participation and only words of praise from those present for their sterling efforts.
