After two years of being online due to COVID-19 measures, the English department was thrilled to host Trinity College School’s Grade 11 Public Speaking Contest live in LeVan Hall on Friday, February 10th. The eight competitors, comprised of the top speaker from each Grade 11 English class, spoke about a non-Canadian figure who has significantly impacted 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 provides the prize money for the winner each year.
Our Head Prefects, Jasmine de Pencier and Will Raenden, hosted the event. They entertained the viewers by providing interesting facts about each speaker as they were introduced and talking about their roles as leaders in the School.
Each year, the judges, teachers and students are impressed by how the finalists deliver their speeches with confidence and poise, and this year was no exception. Thus, the task of judging the contest was both challenging and enjoyable. After much deliberation, the judges decided to award first place to Aidan Reid for his speech on Ted Kennedy. Aidan deliberately unfolded Kennedy’s story, providing a compelling and memorable account of his life and legacy through interesting, little-known facts balanced with engaging anecdotes. Aidan impressed all with his charisma and engaging delivery.
The other finalists, in alphabetical order, were: Aoo Audsabumrungrat, Buddha; Kenna Beatty, Louis Pasteur; Jerry Chen, Edmond Halley; Oliver Gu, Pablo Picasso; Jun Hong, Orville and Wilbur Wright; William Horsbrugh-Porter, Cicero; and Andrew Richards, Alexander Hamilton. The judges were impressed with the overall high calibre of the speeches and commended all presenters for their efforts.
Thank you to the judges, Mr. Doug Mann, Mr. Chris Robert and Mrs. Julie Spencer, for their time and careful deliberations. As well, thank you to Mr. Myke Healy for hosting the webinar for those who could not attend in person.
- By Ms. Barb Brough, head of English
