A total of 18 students from across the district participated in the Rainy River District School Board Speech Contest on May 12, 2022, hosted at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances. Students delivered outstanding speeches on a wide variety of topics to educators, families, peers, and community members.
New this year was a Junior division for Grades 5 and 6 students, while the Grade 7 and 8 students competed at the intermediate level.
In the Junior division, Josie Wilson, from J.W. Walker School, achieved first place with the speech, “Why Zoos Should Be Illegal,” while Colin McDonald, from North Star Community School, took second place for the speech entitled “Stuttering.” In the Intermediate division, Fort Frances High School students Delaney McDonald and Ella Evans placed first and second, respectively, for their speeches entitled, “The Mandela Effect” and “Everything I Learned in Life I Learned from Golf.”
The judges were Kim Jo Bliss, Heather Latter, and Tracey Idle. Kiera Chown was the timer.
Public speaking can be a powerful tool to use for purposes such as motivation, influence, persuasion, or simply entertainment. J.W Walker School Vice Principal, Lynne Avis, noted all participating students should be proud of themselves for their public speaking skills.
“All of the students did an excellent job presenting their speeches,” said Avis. “It was great to be able to celebrate these students for all of their hard work, courage, and achievement.”
All contestants received certificates for their participation, and awards were presented to the top achievers in each division.
Read the full press release here.
Josie Wilson, left, placed first in the Junior division and Colin McDonald finished second.
Ella Evans, left, received second place, while Delaney McDonald took first in the Intermediate division.