Debating

Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award

For the second consecutive year, Aitken College has been represented at the State Final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award. Last Monday, it was Sofia C’s turn to compete with the final this year being held at the Shrine of Remembrance. Legacy obviously has a vested interest in supporting soldiers and their families and the setting for the final was apt.

What started out as a competition with 480 students from all over the State taking part in regional finals, the State Final saw that narrowed down to 12 of the brightest minds and most talented public speakers in Victoria.

Competing against students from all sectors, Sofia presented her prepared speech based on the female contribution to war entitled ‘Women of yesterday, women of today, women of tomorrow’. Many members of the audience as well as the chief judge, Ms Barb Dunlop, were all impressed with Sofia’s passion and her ability ‘to speak from the heart’.

The impromptu round saw students tackling the topic of ‘Timing’ in a variety of ways all whilst trying to battle the nerves associated with speaking on a topic they have only had five minutes to prepare for. Sofia presented a moving speech largely drawing upon the experiences of her father linking his story to the notion that ‘timing is everything’.

Only two students could make it through to the National Final in Sydney next month; on this occasion, it was not Sofia, but I am certain that her experiences this year as a first-time competitor will put her in good stead for 2019. 

I would like to thank Sofia for her tireless work throughout the year and it has been an absolute joy working beside her and seeing her get to this point. Also, to her amazing support crew including her parents, Bruna and Donato, as well as Sabrina C who have cheered her on throughout the year.

Mrs Belinda Jarvis-Dymond

Public Speaking Coach