School speaking and debate competition held for first time in three years
Middle and high school students recently showed off their speaking skills at the Bermuda High School.
The island’s first in-person public speaking and debate competition in three years was held at the school from March 9 to 12.
More than 30 students representing BHS, Saltus Grammar School, Somersfield Academy, Warwick Academy and St John’s Ravenscourt in Canada, competed in after- dinner speaking, interpretive reading, persuasive, impromptu, dramatic and news podcast speaking categories.
This was followed by a three round debate competition, with 72 students from the five schools taking part.
Convener for the event Jennifer Burland Adams said: “It was great to see the Innovation Centre at BHS truly come alive over the three days with students from across Bermuda interacting with each other as well as the students from Canada.
“Special congratulations go out to winning debate teams from Somersfield and BHS and the winning public-speaking teams from St John’s Ravenscourt and BHS.”
Saltus student Callie Lucas was the middle school public-speaking champion and Varshini Srinivasan, from BHS, was the best high-school speaker.
Ms Burland Adams thanked all the judges, student volunteers, coaches and friends for making the competition a success.