Jessica takes NI public speaking prize

Jessica takes NI public speaking prize

6 March 2013

A KIRCUBBIN student has been named Soroptimist International’s top young public speaker in Northern Ireland.

Jessica Galway won the final of the Soroptimist Youth Public Speaking Awards in Derry last week, pipping a host of talented public speakers from schools across Northern Ireland. Among the finalists was Downpatrick girl, Niamh McGrattan, a student at Assumption Grammar School. The winning speech was entitled, ‘Books: Are They a Thing of the Past.’

For winning the event, Jessica, a student at Glenlola Collegiate, received the Soroptimist Youth Award perpetual salver for her school, a replica salver for herself, and a £250 education bursary. She was also invited to deliver her speech to the Soroptimist International joint north/south conference in Newcastle in May.

Miriam Hamilton, Northern Ireland Regional President of Soroptimist International, said public speaking was an essential qualification that students are now expected to gain.

“We began the public speaking competition in in 1982 with the aim of promoting and encouraging young women from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to meet, compete and widen their horizons,” she said.

“Our thanks go to all who have supported the competition and help us to strive for continued growth. This year they include Progressive Building Society, the University of Ulster, the principals and staff of the schools, parents and competitors,” she said.