Young debaters shine at Somersfield competition
Students representing Bermuda and Canada showcased their debating and public-speaking skills at Somersfield Academy last month.
A spokeswoman said the school hosted the National Public Speaking and Debate tournament from March 6 to 8.
Four teams from St John’s-Ravenscourt School in Winnipeg, Canada, also participated in the competition, which comprised debates, interpretive reading, news podcasts and dramatic interpretations, as well as impromptu, persuasive and after-dinner speeches.
Vogai Benza, from the Bermuda High School for Girls, was the overall middle school champion and Saltus Grammar School student Tera Hassen won the top senior school prize.
Ms Hassen and fellow Bermuda students Helena Thomas, Chris Madeiros and Vikashni Ragunathan also took part in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships in Malaysia from March 30 to April 6.
Middle School results
Overall winner: Vongai Benza, Bermuda High School for Girls
First-place team: St John’s-Ravenscourt school (Avery, Natalia, Ira)
Second-place team: St John’s-Ravenscourt school (Jack, Harsha, Maxim)
Third-place team: Bermuda High School for Girls (Vongai, Madison, Kira)
Persuasive speaking: Natalia Wong first, Avery Owushu second
After-dinner speaking: Vongai Benza first, Kira Dunley-Owens second
News podcast: Jameson Feldman
Impromptu: Jack Sigurdson first, Vongai Benza second
Interpretive reading: Avery Owusu first, Ira Shankar second
Senior school results
Overall winner: Tera Hassen, Saltus Grammar School
First-place team: Bermuda High School for Girls (Helena, Annabelle, Gabby)
Second-place team: Saltus Grammar School (Tera, Tse, Chris)
Third-place team: St John’s-Ravenscourt school (Madi, Max, Ianthe)
Persuasive speaking: Tera Hassen first, Max Wu second
After-dinner speaking: Helena Thomas first, Varshini Srinivasan second
News podcast: Helena Thomas first, Max Wu second
Impromptu: Varshini Srinivasan first, Tera Hassen second
Interpretive reading: Ianthe Groumoutis first, Varshini Srinivasan second
Dramatic interpretation: Annabelle Davidson
Lauren MacNeil, a Somersfield Academy IB teacher, said: “Hosting this year’s tournament was an incredible honour and a true testament to the power of student voice.
“The level of preparation creativity and courage displayed by each participant was truly inspiring.
“It’s events like these that remind us how bright the future is when young people are empowered to express themselves with confidence and compassion."
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