Rebecca Cunningham, chairman Ken Rook, Shannon Naujoks, St Patrick’s teacher Gemma Jess, Jazmine Nolan-Kearney, Aliesha Hill, St James teacher Bernadette Hance, Abby Robb, Alix Galante, Madeline Grierson, Isabella Nestor, Taleah King, Kira Hardiker, Matthew O’Halloran, Rick Dupuy and Rotary president Tim Mepstead at the public speaking competition.Rebecca Cunningham, Shannon Naujoks, Jazmine Nolan-Kearney, Aliesha Hill and Alix Galante received awards at the competition. Pictured with Gemma Jess, Ken Rook, Tim Mepstead and Bernadette Hance. 69877First place-getter Shannon Naujoks was presented with her award by Rotary president Tim Mepstead.
By Emma Sun
A RANGE of topics were tackled at the annual Pakenham Rotary Public Speaking Competition last Tuesday night.
Twelve students from primary schools around the Cardinia Shire participated in the competition and spoke about topics including saving turtles, the 40-hour famine and pocket money.
Schools included Columba Primary School, Pakenham Consolidated, St James Primary School, Nar Nar Goon Primary School and St Patrick’s Primary School.
St Patrick’s Primary School in Pakenham took the honours at this year’s competition, with first place-getter Shannon Naujoks and second place-getter Jazmine Nolan-Kearney both attending the school.
Shannon spoke about homework and questioned the need for students to have to do it.
“I’m really passionate about the topic and I felt really strongly about it being reduced and banned,” Shannon said.
Chairman of the competition Rotarian Ken Rook said it was a fantastic night with quality speeches.
“Our satisfaction comes from the knowledge that we are giving the kids an opportunity to experience public speaking at a young age,” Mr Rook said.
“Most adults have an inherent fear of public speaking and that’s why we do it. The standard this year was as good, if not better than previous years.”
Shannon said her parents had already suggested career paths for her following the win.
“My dad wants me to be a politician after my speech,” she said.
“It’s definitely one of the things I’d like to pursue.”
The other place-getters include Rebecca Cunningham from St James Primary School, who got third place for her speech on banning live animal exports, Aliesha Hill, who received the President’s Award for her speech on relationships in the 21st century and Alix Galante, who received the Encouragement Award for her speech about Cadel Evans.
