Youth Speaks

   The annual debating competition for secondary schools, Youth Speaks, took place last week at Whitby School. Despite the vagaries of the weather, 3 teams took part in this event, all of whom are members of Whitby School itself. Their challenge was to deliver speeches as a team on the question of whether Britain should welcome more refugees or not.

   All 3 teams put in thoughtful, creditable performances showing both research into statistics, considered opinions on the subject and also the ability to express their ideas with admirable confidence and maturity. The winning team was made up of Xavier Anscombe, Lexi Nelson and Christine Zhang with Christine also winning the Rotary Cup, awarded to the best individual speaker in the competition. Book tokens were distributed to all who participated.

   The 2 adjudicators who are both widely experienced in the field of education, Dave Bradley and Chris Gozzard, gave constructive advice as feedback to the contestants after a refreshment break. It was then the pleasurable task of Steve Maltby, current President of the Rotary Club of Whitby & District, to present the prizes.

   “Once again the Youth Speaks competition has been beneficial to all who took part. I congratulate all who took up the challenge, thereby gaining experience and confidence which can only stand them in good stead in the future.” These were the comments of event organizer, Mike Stones. “ We are looking forward to next year’s competition already!”