Public Speaking Success
The year has yielded several successes in the field of public speaking for Our Lady’s Grammar School. In October a team of four senior pupils were successful in overcoming stiff competition in the local heat of a contest entitled: ‘Open Your Mind’. The competition was aimed at promoting awareness of mental health issues for young people.
The four pupils, Catherine Campbell, Mairead Dyas, Gemma Loye and Claire Woods, spoke eloquently about a range of issues that can affect young people. Their efforts were rewarded as they advanced to the final, held in St Patrick’s Trian, Armagh, where they were awarded second place overall.
Not to be outdone by the seniors, the junior public speakers also enjoyed success. Year Nine pupils, Kim O’Hare and Aveen Connolly competed in the Newry and Mourne heat of the Environmental Youthspeak competition. The topic: ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Why In That Order?’ prompted a range of fascinating speeches from schools in the area. Aveen Connolly, however, wowed the judges with her informative and entertaining take on the topic. She advanced to the final, held in the Guild Hall, Derry, where she had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
