Trinity College School’s Grade 11 Public Speaking Contest was held online on Thursday, February 25th and Friday, February 26th. The 10 competitors, comprised of the top student from each in-person and TCS Connect class, spoke on a non-Canadian figure who has made a significant impact on the world.
This contest was initiated by the late Sir Edwin Leather ’37 to encourage students in the art of public speaking. The competition is generously supported by the TCS Parents’ Guild, who donated the trophy some years ago and who provide the prize money for the winner each year.
The event was hosted by the Head Boy, Graham Hall, and the Head Girl, Addy Malpas. They entertained the viewers by providing interesting facts about each speaker as they were introduced as well as honouring Black History Month with descriptions of significant, contemporary Black people.
Each year, the judges, teachers and students are impressed by how the finalists deliver their speeches with confidence and poise. In particular, the unique format of presenting online to a camera rather than a live audience made the speakers’ delivery even more impressive this year. Thus, the task of judging the contest was both challenging and enjoyable. After much deliberation, the judges decided to share first place between Karina Lee, for her speech on Ruby Bridges, and Madison Narciso, for her speech on Maya Angelou. Karina’s engaging, genuine and articulate delivery was exemplary. Meanwhile, Madison deliberately unfolded Angelou’s story, impressing all with her poise and eloquent delivery. Both speeches balanced interesting, little-known facts with engaging anecdotes, highlighting why Bridges and Angelou are significant figures.
The other finalists and their topics, in alphabetical order, were: Bolu Abiola, Barack Obama; Emma Aitchison-Madill, Ronald Reagan; Isolde Ardies, Collette; Carter Davis, Henry Ford; Olivia Girimonte, Buddha; Christal Mattis, Wangari Maathai; Tharun Shaji, Henry Ford; and Wyatt Woloshyn, Mark Twain.
Thank you to the judges, Mrs. Viola Lyons, Mr. Doug Mann and Mr. Rick Traugott, for their time and careful deliberations. As well, thank you to Mr. Myke Healy for hosting the webinar and helping make the online finals possible.
- By Ms. Barb Brough, head of English
