Wallace High School Year 13 pupil Anna Woodside last week won the Lisburn and District Public Speaking Competition. Three Wallace pupils competed against girls from Rathmore, Forthill College, Hunterhouse College and Friends’ School.
Mrs Gillian Weir commented,
“The Wallace competitors, Anna, Aisling Gardiner and Gaby Johnston were a credit to themselves and our school, speaking with great passion and knowledge. I would like to thank the Lisburn and District Soroptimists for organising this wonderful competition which encourages young women to blossom in confidence and recognize the role they can have in society.”
Gaby commented,
“I really had to push myself out of my comfort zone but I’m so glad that I did! I chose to explore “The Glass Ceiling” and learnt so much through this experience.”
Aisling added,
“It was a very enjoyable evening and it was interesting to hear how other girls had approached my topic of the responsibility of sweatshops in differing ways.”
16 year old Anna is now looking forward to representing the Lisburn District at the Northern Ireland Finals in February. She said, “My speech was on body image and I thoroughly enjoyed researching this topic and preparing for the event. It was fascinating to hear the diverse views of the 19 competitors and also to learn about the work of the Soroptimists. I am studying English Literature, Food and Nutrition and History at AS Level and was able to use a lot of material from my studies in preparing for my speech. I hope to study Primary Education at Stranmillis and I know that taking part in this competition has certainly developed my confidence in public speaking. I’d certainly encourage other young people to get involved. I’d like to thank Mrs Weir for all her work over the past few weeks. I am looking forward to taking part in the BPW Public Speaking Competition with five other Yr 13 girls.”
Last modified: November 20, 2019
