When most adults are asked what one of their greatest fears is, public speaking always rates highly. Yet, it is such an important and necessary skill. We all need to make a speech at some time in our lives, whether as a Class Captain, birthday, acceptance or Best Man’s speech, or even farewelling a colleague. This is why Marist Regional College students are encouraged to participate in both formal and informal speaking situations in and out of the classroom.
Keeping this in mind, three of our students competed in the Burnie Emu Bay Lions ‘Youth of the Year’ competition (LYOTY) at the Burnie Tennis Club on Sunday 16th March. These courageous students were Elizabeth Ettlin, Xander Power and Yueqi Liang. Needless to say, I felt very privileged to spend time with such a dynamic group of young people.
It was a fantastic day, shining a light on the students’ accomplishments, their opinions on societal issues and dreams for the future. Seventy percent of the LYOTY competition is interview based, where leadership, extra-curricular, academic and community accomplishments are judged, and the remaining thirty percent is determined through public speaking. On the day, each student underwent a rigorous interview, then delivered two impromptu speeches and one five-minute prepared speech.
We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of Elizabeth Singleton and her band of incredible volunteers in the Burnie Emu Bay Lions Club.
The panel of judges gave our students wonderful feedback at the end of the competition. Their job was incredibly difficult as each student was talented in so many areas.
Congratulations to Elizabeth Ettlin for being awarded the Overall Winner of the competition and winning $200, to Xander Power for winning the Public Speaking award of $100, and to Yueqi Liang who was awarded a Participation Prize of $50. Elizabeth will now represent the Burnie Emu Bay Lions Club at the Regional Final on March 31st. We wish her luck.
Mrs Nicki Rogers
Extended Learning Key Teacher