Public speaking puts fear into many people, but the Rotary Club of Pakenham has a project enabling Grade 5 and Grade 6 students the opportunity to conquer that fear at an early age.
The Club’s 21 st Primary School Public Speaking Competition was held at the Pakenham Golf Club several weeks ago.
It featured 24 students from12 primary schools in Nar Nar Goon, Officer and Pakenham, who spoke in front of a large audience of over 100 people.
The students chose their own topics and did their own research and preparation.
Chair of the meeting Rotarian Ken Rook said it was a fantastic event.
“Each year we continue to be amazed at range of topics, the obvious amount of research and the outstanding quality of the presentations,” he said.
All participants receive a certificate with award winners receiving a plaque; all students receive a prize 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 Paige Martin from Chiaro Christian School who spoke on, “Lifestyle Differences Between South Africa and Australia.”
The first runner up was Joshua Ralph, St. James Catholic Primary School, “The Debate Against Public Speaking.”
The second was Vanessa Luong, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, “Poverty.”
President’s Award went to Maddison Wilkin, St. Clare’s Catholic Primary School, “Why Girls Should Have the Choice to Wear Pants.”
Encouragement Award given to Hannah Waterhouse, St. James Catholic Primary School, “Real Learning Does Not Occur in the Classroom.”
Mr. Rook added: “This event is a highlight of the Rotary year and we congratulate all participant on the excellence of their presentations”.
