Speaking out to win a prize

Ayrshire schools raise their voice at annual Youth Speaks competition.

The national competition encourages speaking and presentation skills in young people, discussing a variety of topics.

Belmont Academy hosted this year’s Ayr Rotary sponsored event with three teams participating in the event.

Kyle Academy entered in the intermediate category, with both Carrick and Belmont Academy in the senior category.

Carrick Academy picked up the winning prize with their opinions on ‘ The value of remembering history.’

Educating the audience in the conflicting views of ancient philosophers on the importance of history were Drew Maxwell, Robbie Paterson and Scott Anderson.

Kyle Academy highlighted the dangers of the internet discussing topics like cyberbullying, grooming and theft via email.

Lynn McWilliam, a former teacher on the judging panel, complimented Nathan Hewitt, Lewis MacDonald and Philip Faulds on their public speaking and confirmed they would be sponsored in the District competition stage by Ayr Rotary Club.

Emma Crawford, Michael Lafferty and Gemma Munro from Belmont Academy chose to discuss how modern communications can have adverse effects on social skills.

The Belmont team addressed social media in making people less social.

The judging panel praised the teams for their fantastic efforts at the event and announced that winning team Carrick Academy, would go through to the District Stage, sponsored again by Ayr Rotary Club.

Close runners- up, Belmont, would also compete in the District stage, sponsored by Alloway Rotary Club.

Ayr Rotary President, Craig Wilson, presented the winner’s plate and certificates.