PUBLIC speaking puts fear into many people, but the Rotary Club of Pakenham has a project enabling Grade 6 students the opportunity to conquer that fear at an early age.
The club’s 18th Primary School Public Speaking Competition was held at the Pakenham Golf Club on Tuesday 25 October.
Thirteen students from seven primary schools in Nar Nar Goon, Officer and Pakenham, spoke in front of a large audience. The students chose their own topics and did their own research and preparation.
Chair of the meeting Rotarian Ken Rook said, “Each year, I continue to be amazed at range of topics, the obvious amount of research and the outstanding quality of the presentations”.
All participants receive a certificate; award winners receive a plaque; and cheque to assist them with their transition to secondary school.
The schools of the top three place getters also receive a cheque to assist them with their school programs.
The Champion Speaker was Skye Bethea from Pakenham Springs Primary School who spoke on Poverty.
First runner-up was Dhuvaragan Senthuran from Beaconhills College who spoke on Discrimination.
Second runner-up Angelica Starakis from Pakenham Hills Primary School addressed the questeion Where Have All The Bees Gone?
Libby Matthews, of Officer Primary School, won the president’s award with her speech on Oscar’s Law.
The Chairman’s Award went to Moesha Griffin, of Beaconhills College, who spoke on Women’s Rights and the Encouragement Award went to Rama Salah, Minaret College, who spoke about Why Should Animals Have Rights?
“This event is a highlight of the Rotary year, and we congratulate all participants on the excellence of their presentations,” Mr Rook said.
