Students speak out on issues that matter

PUBLIC speaking strikes fear into the hearts of many, but local Grade 5 and 6 students have been given the opportunity to conquer that fear thanks to the Rotary Club of Pakenham.
The club’s 18th Primary School Public Speaking Competition was held at the Pakenham Golf Club on Tuesday 27 October.
The 15 students from eight primary schools in Nar Nar Goon, Officer and Pakenham spoke in front of more than 100 people.
The students chose their own topics and did their own research and preparation, with most schools holding an in-school competition to select their entrants.
Chairman of the meeting Rotarian Ken Rook said students spoke on a wide variety of topics.
“The range of topics was quite amazing with some very complex subject including racism, pollution, refugees, mental illness and neurofibromatosis,” he said.
“We even heard about the history of the Melbourne Zoo and why we should have drama in primary schools. Once again the quality was outstanding”.
All participants received a certificate and award winners received 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.
Charlie Tweedale from St James, Nar Nar Goon, whose topic was “Real Wealth Is Worth More than Money”, won the encouragement award. The chairman’s award went to Isla Gainfort from Maranatha, Officer, for her speech “Refugees”. The president’s award went to Ruby Clarisse from Maranatha, Officer, for her speech entitled “Mental Illness in Youth”.
Second runner-up was Christine Jaroslawski of Heritage Springs, Pakenham, with “Racism” and first runner-up was Elliot Perez, Beaconhills College, Pakenham, with “We Can Make a Difference ”.
The champion speaker, was Hayley Drake from Beaconhills College, Pakenham, presenting her speech “Stop That Bullying”.
Mr Rook said the standard of this year’s speeches was very high.
“This event is a highlight of the Rotary year and we congratulate all participants on the excellence of their presentations”.