Ellie’s “Huff” wins her first prize

Ellie Farthing, a year 8 student at Ullswater Community College had a tremendous “Huff” at this year’s Rotary Public Speaking Competition. It was so good that it ensured she took first prize at the awards ceremony held at Year 8 assembly this week. She was of course, delivering an extremely amusing poem by Wendy Cope, impressing, not only the Judges, but also a critical audience of 34 other students who had also entered the Competition. Her reward was to be presented with gift vouchers to the value of £50 by the President of Penrith Rotary Club, Charlie Shepherd.

In second place was Sophie Austin who received vouchers to value of £30, and in third place was James Bowman who was awarded £20. The Judges also considered that this year’s entries were of such a high standard that four other students, Jamie Taylor, Olivia Rudd, Daisy Blundell and Jimmi Farnworth were highly commended and each received vouchers of £10. All of the Students who took part were also presented with certificates at the assembly.

In the initial stages of this competition students were required to recite a poem or a piece of prose they had selected, as the competition progressed students were also required to speak to the audience about their personal “Hero or Heroes”. Choices this year ranged from; a great grandparent who fought in the First Word War, sporting personalities including Eddie the Eagle, mums and dads and true friends. They were then judged by panel of Teaching Staff and Rotarians who awarded marks for presentation skills, style of delivery and expression.

In addressing the Students at the presentations, Head teacher Nigel Pattinson said “This year, the competition has produced some excellent speakers, their ability to communicate to an audience with such confidence and clarity has been most impressive and everyone who took part is to be congratulated”. He also thanked the Rotary Club of Penrith for their continuing support of this annual event.