Youth Speaks 2024/25

The Youth Speaks final was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the incredible dedication and passion of the young people who participated.

This year the Rotary clubs from Leyland, South Ribble and Preston South hosted Rotary Youth Speaks Final with nine teams in total competing from Rutland, Macclesfield, Lymm, Bolton and Leyland. 

Each speaker poured their heart and soul into crafting a speech that was not only powerful but deeply personal, reflecting the time and effort they put into perfecting their message.  There were some inspiring, thought provoking and motivating topics and it showed that the students had carried out some detailed research on their chosen topic.  The amount of preparation behind each speech was truly remarkable and the young speakers demonstrated an impressive level of maturity and commitment.  The journey was not just about standing in front of an audience; it was about finding a voice and sharing a perspective that resonated with others, making the audience think and sparking conversations that go beyond the event itself.

What made the Youth Speaks final even more special was the sheer diversity of topics.  From addressing societal issues to exploring personal experiences, each speaker brought something unique to the table.  No matter the subject, every single speech had an undeniable energy and authenticity that captivated the audience.

In the end, the Youth Speaks final wasn’t just a competition;  it was a celebration of youth, creativity, and the power of expression.  Every participant proved that they have something valuable to say, and they said it with conviction and grace.  The speeches weren’t just words - they were a testament to the future, showcasing the immense talent and determination of the young voices shaping tomorrow.

The winners were as follows:

Intermediate Section (11-13 years)

Winners - Balshaws Church of England High School, Leyland 

Topic:  Waste repurposing, solutions not problems!

Runners-up - Lymm High School, Lymm 

Topic:  The impact on advertising on young people

Best Chair - Dexter Avery from Bridgewater School, Worsley

Best Speaker - Ted Cullen from Lymm High School, Lymm

Best Vote of Thanks - Rory McLean from Balshaws CofE High School, Leyland

Senior Section (14-17 years)

Winners - Balshaws Church of England High School, Leyland 

Topic:  Why we should limit screen-time

Runners-up - All Hallows High School, Macclesfield 

Topic:  The psychological effects of digital media and mobile devices.

Best Chair - Isabel Pearson from Balshaws CofE High School, Leyland

Best Speaker - Jack Tattersall from All Hallows Catholic School, Macclesfield

Best Vote of Thanks - Annabella Iden from Catmose College, Oakham, Rutland

If you are interested and would like more information about this competition, contact Leyland Rotary.