The Rotary Club of Pakenham annual Primary School Public Speaking Competition was back on this year, and it was great to see the students back after having to cancel last year.
Numbers were down with eight students representing four schools, but the standard was once again very high.
The students chose their own topics which were thought provoking, controversial and heart-warming.
It was a credit to the students whose efforts were outstanding despite having a very difficult and disrupted year. It is also a credit to the teachers, who worked with the students through tough times to give them the opportunity to take part.
The winners were, Champion Viran Dharmakirti, Pakenham Springs Primary, topic: “Game, Set, Match”, a lively and entertaining talk about his exploits on the tennis court.
Second place Jude Keyzer, Pakenham Springs Primary, topic: “Equality”, a passionate and thought-provoking talk about equality for women.
Third place Priyansh Parikh, Pakenham Consolidated, topic: “Why Should I Get Vaccinated”, an excellent and well-presented argument in favour of vaccination.
President’s Award Jaime Mann, Chairo Christian College, topic: “Letter to My Future Self”, a very interesting look into the future.
Encouragement Award Janay Chiu, Pakenham Springs Primary, topic: ”Tai Por”, a mature and emotional talk about Tai Por who was Janay’s late
grandmother.
The other finalists were Millie Winn Pakenham Consolidated, Kaine Arnett Bridgewood Primary and Nia Nimish Bridgewood Primary.
Hopefully we will be back next year at full strength with more schools participating,
