Rotary Youth Speaks Success

7 December 2023

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The Leyland, South Ribble and South Preston Rotary Clubs held their annual Rotary Youth Speaks Competition at Balshaw’s Church of England High School on Wednesday 29th November.

With stiff competition from All Hallows, Leyland St. Mary’s, Broughton High School and St. Michael’s CE High School, Chorley, Balshaw’s four teams enjoyed significant success.

In the Intermediate section:

  • Winner – Balshaw’s CofE School (Rhys, Chloe and Mischa)
  • Runner Up - All Hallows High School (2nd team - Edward, Isabella, Martha)
  • Best Chair - Rhys, Balshaw’s CofE School
  • Best Speaker - Chloe, Balshaw’s CofE School
  • Best Vote of Thanks - Ruby, All Hallows

In the Senior section:

  • Winner – Balshaw’s CofE School (3rd team - Charlie, Isabel, Ewan)
  • Runner Up - Balshaw's CofE School (2nd team - Milly, May, Clarisse)
  • Best Chair - Charlie, Balshaw’s CofE School
  • Best Speaker - Evie, Broughton High School
  • Best Vote of Thanks – Emily, Balshaw’s CofE School

Rotarian organiser, Karen Wilding said, “It was great to see everyone there and to see this competition rise and grow again. They all did so well as I know it’s so hard standing up there in front of so many people.”

Balshaw’s reputation as a hub of public speaking excellence is growing. After their success in ESU Churchill Public Speaking in 2022 and winning the Great Lancashire Debate last month, the Rotary wins are the icing on the cake!

Dr. Breen said she was, “incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment of the teams and their thought-provoking speeches on Youth Crime, Free Speech, Modern Arts and the Media and public opinion show their growing maturity and incredible research skills.”

Steven Haycocks, Headteacher, said these events help students, “develop a deep social conscience and awareness of the complex issues that we face in creating a more just society…something that they will take with them for the rest of their lives.”

Congratulations to everyone who took part, we are incredibly proud of you all.

You can see some photographs from the event below:


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