With great excitement and nerves, and a record number of participants, our students won both the Senior and Junior Divisions of Rostrum’s Youth of the Year Northern Finals on Saturday 10 May!

Audrey Green (Year 8) and Maximilian Wilson (Year 8) each won their respective Junior Finals, with Maddi Gofton (Year 8) receiving an Encouragement Award. They delivered their speeches with confidence and articulation, engaging their audience through well-written scripts and an impressive ability to think on their feet.

All other speakers rose to the challenge courageously, whether they were new to public speaking or experienced: Shylee Kurukulasuriya (Year 7), Grayson Edwards (Year 9), Shiv Kataria (Year 9), Sienna Nesbit (Year 8), and Peggy Handbury (Year 8).

Elizabeth Moore (Year 10) clinched the Senior Division with her powerful prepared and impromptu speeches, while Hamish Ayre (Year 10) was highly commended for his cleverly written speech on how introverted leaders can be powerful through their calm, caring, and thoughtful approaches.

Rostrum has long been recognised as an outstanding platform for young people to develop their communication skills. A special acknowledgment to Jenny Fraser OAM (nee Gerrard, Oakburn’74) and Rod Fraser OAM (Scotch’74) for their invaluable dedication to ensuring our youth are supported and encouraged throughout their public speaking journeys.

We now look forward to Rostrum’s state final on Saturday 14 June and wish Audrey, Max and Lizzie the best of luck!

Katie Lester and Aditi Kataria
Persons-in-Charge of Public Speaking