Finlay Cooper, Mark Connolly and Eilidh McCrudden, from St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm, were named as senior winners after speaking about ‘The Power of Music’ at Exmouth Community College in Devon.
‘Material Girl’ was the topic chosen by intermediate winners, Katie Nelson, Eloise McNulty and Niamh Greig, from St. Andrew’s & St. Bride’s High School, East Kilbride.
Rotary Youth Speaks develops public speaking skills and provides young people with an opportunity to express views on issues and topics.
Each team holds three roles: a chair, speaker and vote of thanks, with the task of delivering an eight- minute presentation. The key to success is to be passionate about the choice of topic as well as adding a touch of humour.
After succeeding at local, district and regional levels, just 14 teams competed in two age categories in the finals – intermediate, for ages 11 – 13 and senior, for those 14 – 17.
A 200-strong audience of friends and family supported the youngsters at the picturesque seaside town to hear the verdicts of three expert judges; Graham Webb, Bob Lancaster and Shirley Pressey.
For Eilidh McCrudden, from St Columba’s School, winning was extra special since the talented teenager had overcome a fear of public speaking. Her school was supported by the Rotary Club of Gryffe Valley.
Just 27 miles’ drive from St Columba’s, intermediate winners, St. Andrew’s & St. Bride’s High School, were sponsored by Rotary Club of East Kilbride.
Senior
1st  – St Columba’s School, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire – Finlay Cooper, Mark Connolly and Eilidh McCrudden – The Power of Music
2nd – Dame Alice Owen’s School, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire – Tara Daemi, Dorothy Burrowes and Thalia Witherford – Why Slavery still exists in the UK
3rd – Redmaids’ High School, Bristol – Evelyn Quinn, Molly Drake and Farin Rahbarpour – True Love Is Not The Stuff Of Pop Songs
Intermediate
1st – St. Andrew’s & St. Bride’s High School, East Kilbride – Katie Nelson, Eloise McNulty and Niamh Greig – Material Girl
2nd – Farnborough Hill School, Hampshire – Lily Suchet, Charlotte Dargan and Amelia Finn – Gender Inequality in Sport
3rd – Catmose College, Oakham, Rutland – Cecilly Parsons, Tom McEnery and Daniel Williams – Young People’s Mental Health
