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Saint Mary's High School pupil Marie Pearse from Newry was one of the top 13 Finalists at the Northern Ireland final of the Soroptimist International's Annual Youth Award Public Speaking competition, supported by Progressive Building Society.
Marie represented the Newry & Mourne Club speaking on the topic 'Not for sale: End Human Trafficking.'
The event was won by Jessica Galway from Kircubbin, a pupil of Glenlola Collegiate who achieved first place in the Annual Youth Award Public Speaking competition. The competition was supported by the Progressive Building Society, Northern Ireland's largest locally owned mortgage lender.
Organised by Soroptimist International, the Northern Ireland competition is annually open to female students who are in Years 12 & 13, and are in full time education. The final took place last weekend at the University of Ulster Magee Campus.
Representing the Bangor Soroptimists, Jessica won the opportunity to speak out about the topic 'Books: Are they a Thing of the Past?' by competing in her local heat of the competition.
Thirteen finalists were selected from heats organised by regional Soroptimist clubs. In recent years, the competition has experienced a marked increase in entries and now annually attracts around 100 entries from right across the Province.
At the final, the top four places went to:-
1st - Jessica Galway from Kircubbin, a student of Glenlola Collegiate, represented the Bangor club, speaking on the topic 'Books: Are they a thing of the past?'
2nd -Laura Abernethy from Ballymoney, a student of Dalriada School, represented the Ballymoney club, speaking on the topic 'To frack or not to frack: That is the question.'
3rd -Clare Bradley from Derry, a student of Lumen Christi College, represented the Derry club, speaking on the topic 'Consumerism - is it killing the earth?'
4th - Naoise Rush from South Belfast, a student of Rathmore Grammar, represented the Lisburn club, speaking on the topic 'Not for sale: End Human Trafficking'
As the winner, Jessica took home The Soroptimist Youth Award Perpetual Salver donated by Oneida Silversmiths for her school to display, a Replica Salver for herself to keep donated by Mrs Margaret McGowan (Soroptimist International, Newtownards), a bursary award of £250 towards her education, and an invitation to deliver her speech at the Soroptimist International joint North/South conference at the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle, 17-19 May 2013. Her school received a £150 book token.
Second place went to, Laura, who received The Betty Hudson Memorial Cup and gift donated by Gerald Hudson. Her school received a £75 book token.
For third place, Clare, received The Margaret Gregg Salver and gift donated by the Newtownabbey and District Soroptimist Club. She won her school a £50 book token.
Similarly, Naoise, in fourth place, received a gift presented by Soroptimist International Northern Ireland and won her school a £25 book token.
The competition's adjudicators included Professor Mary McColgan, Mrs Irene Miskimmon and Ms Sarah Brett.
Thoroughly astounded by the standard of the speeches at the final, Elaine Molyneaux from Progressive Building Society, said, "As a mutual society committed to supporting its local community, Progressive is proud to support this competition that encourages young women to develop such valuable tools as good communication skills.
"I've been highly impressed by what I've heard - both the content and delivery of the speeches have been excellent. These young women have developed the skills and abilities necessary to voice their opinions on topical subjects in an informed and confident manner. It is not surprising that this competition is recognised within many educational establishments as one of the top public speaking events in Northern Ireland."
Congratulating all girls who made the final, Miriam Hamilton, Northern Ireland Regional President of Soroptimist International, said; "Public speaking is an essential Key Skills qualification that students are now expected to gain, however our organisation has been championing the cause for over thirty years through this competition. We began the Public Speaking Competition in 1982 with the aim of promoting and encouraging young women from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to meet, compete and widen their horizons.
Our thanks go to all who have supported the competition and help us strive for continued growth. This year they include Progressive Building Society, the University of Ulster, the Principals and Staff of the schools, parents and competitors."
