Winning words: young orators contest state final

YOUNG orator Ajay Sonti took out the state final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition held in Ballarat last week.

He was among ten articulate young speakers from all over Western Victoria who had qualified to contest the state final at Legacy House, Raglan Street.

Isabeau Turner from Damascus College and Milla Russell from Loreto College qualified for last week’s state final with all contestants presenting highly engaging speeches, according to the judging panel.

Milla spoke on the subject of escapism, while Isabeau spoke on climate denial as a structure system.

Ajay, a year 9 student at Portland Secondary College, delivered an outstanding speech to the audience of Legatees and school representatives.

Shayla Madin from Stawell Secondary College was runner up. She and Ajay will go on to contest the national final in Adelaide on 17 November.

Ajay’s speech, Listen To Remember, spoke on the importance of listening to the older generation, while Shayla explored What Social Justice Means To Me.

Ajay received the State Champion Cup for the second time, making him the only student to have achieved the feat twice.

Education chair with Ballarat Legacy and state coordinator for the competition Allan Mckinnon said the standard of competition was high.

“Next year we are having the national final here in Ballarat at St Patrick’s College Performing Arts Centre” Mr Mckinnon said.

Legacy conducts the annual Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition to enhance the oral communication and public speaking skills of 12 to 14-year-old students and help young people appreciate the ideals of Legacy; voluntary service, caring and comradeship and the need for remembrance.