SPEAKING CONTEST

TWO winning students will go forward to the regional finals of the HSBC Soroptimists Girls Public Speaking Competition in Wexford next February after their recent victory in Bray.

The Bray & District competition took place on Monday, November 19, in the Esplanade.

Emilia Connolly from St Gerad’s in Bray spoke about ‘ The Destruction of Our Environment’, and Grace Sandys from Rathdown School spoke on ‘ The Empowerment of Women’.

There were also competitors from Coláiste Raithín in Bray, Coláiste Bríd in Carnew, and Holy Child Killiney.

The national finals will take place in the K Club on March 10.

The Competition has been run since 1981 by Soroptimists International, a worldwide volunteer service organisation for business and professional women.

It is open to all girls in the senior cycle of second level education. The aim of the competition is to encourage girls to play a more prominent part in public life, to improve the art of communication and to develop the skills to speak effectively. The topics cover, health, education, the environment, human rights, democracy, empowerment of women, friendship and volunteering.

Bray & District Soroptimists President Ms Clare Comerford thanked everyone for their participation and organisation. She presented all students with a sterling silver tennis bracelet, while teachers, adjudicators and time keepers all received book tokens.