Hawarden-Waikari Lions Schools Speech Contest
On Wednesday evening at the Hawarden Hall, the Hawarden-Waikari Lions held their biennial school’s speech contest for the McIlwraith Cups, very well organised on behalf of the club by Lion JJ Gudopp. Contestants from Amuri and Hurunui Colleges and Omihi school, competed in three divisions – Juniors Y7/8, Intermediate Y9/10, and Senior Y11-13. This year 14 students spoke and enthusiastically presented a wide range of topics which gave the audience some good points to ponder and who were very appreciative of all speeches presented by the students.
This year the contest was sponsored by local Farmers; Sam & Keri Zino, Richard and Robyn Frost, Hanley Farm, Tom & Anne Costello, and Medbury Farm, who sponsored the contest as a stimulus to developing good communicators. Our MC for the occasion was Julia Steele from Amuri Area School who contributed significantly to a successful event.
At the conclusion of the speeches judge Sally MacDonald commended contestants’ efforts made in researching topics and presenting their case, and their confidence to be able to stand in front of the audience and deliver their topic. The principles of good speech making were defined and the difference between a speech contest and dramatic presentation was outlined. Sally’s contribution to this competition over a number of years is greatly appreciated.
Club President Peter Crouchley presented the following awards, the winners in each division receiving the McIlwraith Cup:
Senior
1st Millie-Jane McIlraith – Russian poverty. HURUNUI
2nd Laura Cundy – Abortion law reform – what is the right choice? AMURI
3rd = Jamie Dalmer – Money is power. AMURI
3rd = Caleb Spencer – Finding a new path through faith. HURUNUI
Intermediate
1st Lyla Domingo – Money can buy happiness. AMURI
Junior
1st Shea Kelly – Environmental Activism. HURUNUI
2nd Lillie Schuurman – Private and public schools are better than home school. AMURI
3rd Lexie Godfrey-Grant – We should have less screentime. AMURI
