On Sunday, February 10th, the Royal Canadian Legion in Millbrook hosted the annual Youth Education Public Speaking Contest. Participants were invited from all local elementary schools, and twelve entrants joined each of the two age categories, coming from Millbrook South Cavan and North Cavan Public Schools, bravely stepping on stage to deliver their presentations to an appreciative audience of friends, family and judges.
There were four participants in the youngest age group which includes students in grades one to three. Three of the four contestants in this category gave interpretations of popular children’s stories from well-known authors delivered with props, humour and enthusiasm. The first entrant in this category took a different route. Kaitlyn told an original story about a dolphin she encountered on vacation at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium who was rescued from a fishing net and was given a prosthetic tail.
Six contestants in grades four through six followed the younger participants with their own stories. Islay Moore engaged the audience quickly, getting them on their feet to experience the movement of racewalking and discussing her great grandfather’s Olympic success in this sport, where he earned a gold medal in 1912. Adelaide described the trepidation and ultimately the elation of a gravity-defying experience in the I FLY facility in Oshawa. Next, Krysten stepped up with a talk about the importance of computer coding, as a robotic pen outlined her name on a whiteboard beside her. A more serious note was struck by the fourth speaker, Jordan, who delivered a heart-felt public service talk about her recent diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes, explaining the symptoms and treatment she received and how it is affecting her life. Dog lover Evy identified some of the more popular breeds of dogs, and outlined their specific appealing characteristics. Maia wrapped up the session with a humorous description of her less-than-ideal family camping vacation last summer, allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions about the appeal of such a trip.
This year there were two participants in the grade seven to nine category from Millbrook South Cavan. Jordan told her original short story from the perspective of its reluctant hero, the family dog, who helps the two children in her family reunite with their parents after getting lost in the woods on a family vacation. The session concluded with a serious talk from Mariza who discussed the challenge of mental health and encouraged the audience to be vigilant and reach out to those they suspect are struggling with this pervasive health challenge.
Participants in this competition have already been recognized by their classmates and their schools, and those placing first in their categories, Katilyn, Islay and Mariza are eligible to move on into the zone competition which will take place on March 23rd in Apsley, and possibly compete in Ottawa in the provincial finals.
All contestants demonstrated an ability to entertain the audience, maintaining their composure as they delivered creative, animated and expressive presentations. Their decision to embrace the challenge of performing in front of an audience builds a critical life skill that will serve them well in the future. Congratulations to these resourceful and poised participants and thanks to the Royal Canadian Legion for hosting these annual events that allow our youth to hone their presentation skills in a supportive environment. KG
