Bunclody Community College students enjoyed outstanding success at the Europe Direct Soapbox Public Speaking Competition, held on Wednesday, 30 September.
The competition challenged students to explore the theme “Culture is at the heart of what it means to be European”, with competitors considering the question: “Is Ireland culturally closer to Strasbourg or Sydney?”
There was extremely tough competition, with some of the best young public speakers from across the South-East taking part. Students represented schools from Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford, making BCC's success all the more impressive.
In the Senior Category, Sam Bolger delivered an excellent speech and was named the overall winner. Sam's victory means that he will now progress to the National Soapbox Final, where regional winners from across Ireland will compete for the national title and a €1,000 first prize.
There was further success for BCC, with Ari Ghosh awarded the Senior Runner-Up Prize following an impressive performance.
BCC was also represented in the competition's Junior Category by Grace Bolger, Sean Og Davitt, Freya Binions and Fedora Ihloma, while Abigail Austin, Ari Ghosh and Sam Bolger competed in the Senior Category.
One of the judges, Gerry Arthurs, a lecturer in International Relations in SETU commented on the quality of the speeches and the fact that the participants today taught him a few things. He said he will be “using a few of those lines in his lectures” in the future.
All of our students deserve great credit for stepping forward and taking part in a challenging public speaking competition at such a high level. Public speaking requires confidence, preparation and the ability to think critically, and our students represented Bunclody Community College with great distinction.
Congratulations to Sam, Ari, Grace, Sean Og, Freya, Fedora and Abigail on their fantastic achievements. We are extremely proud of you all and wish Sam the very best of luck in the National Final!