Speech Contest

On Tuesday 6th September at the Hawarden Hall, the Hawarden-Waikari Lions held their biennial school’s speech contest for the McIlwraith Cups organised on behalf of the club by Lion JJ Gudopp.  Contestants from Amuri and Hurunui Colleges, Waipara and Omihi schools, competed in three divisions – Juniors Y7/8, Intermediate Y9/10, and Senior Y11-13.  This year 25 students spoke and enthusiastically presented a wide range of topics; Climate change, equality, Racism, holiday destinations, farming concerns, Bullying, people they admire, and more.   The audience of supporters were very appreciative of all speeches made by the students.

At the conclusion of the speeches judge Sally MacDonald outlined the principles of good speech making and presentation, along with the problems to be avoided.   She also presented ideas on how to become more proficient in speaking to an audience.  Sally congratulated all students on their willingness to take on the challenge of speaking to hall full of people, and commended their efforts made into researching topics and presenting their case.

Club President Bruce Churchward presented the following awards, the winners in each division receiving the McIlwraith Cup:

Junior:
1st     Annie Francis – Vegans Have Got It Wrong.               Amuri
2nd   Catalina Serrano – Get Active.                            Amuri
3rd    Rosie Mones-Cazon – We Need to Reduce Obesity.           Amuri

Intermediate:
1st     Millie McIlraith – Ideal Holiday Destination – Dubai.      Hurunui
2nd    Joni Lester  – The Gender Gap Must Be Closed.               Hurunui
3rd    Laura Cundy – The Amount of Rubbish in our landfills should be reduced.    Amuri

Senior:
1st    Ebony Varnam – Racism in New Zealand                     Hurunui
2nd    Rachael Dalmer – Fast Fashion                            Amuri