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Aloysians Address US Election, Shakespeare and Pope's Year of Mercy at Public Speaking Final

Personal Excellence

As another year of learning drew to a close at St Aloysius’ College, Secondary 2 pupils gathered in the Convent Chapel to witness the College’s annual Inter-House Public Speaking Competition where Aloysian Public Speakers from S1 – S4 would deliver speeches to impress, inform and inspire their fellow pupils.

All Senior School pupils at St Aloysius’ College have the opportunity to practice the art of public speaking each week at Public Speaking Club and whilst S4 – S6 pupils often represent the College at regional and national competitions, the pupils of S1 – S4 are given the chance to represent their Academic House at the annual College Public Speaking Final.

A record number of 10 public speakers competed this year for the Stephen Jardine Memorial Cup, addressing the entire S2 Year group in the Convent Chapel on one of the three set topics for the final: the Pope’s Year of Mercy; the US Election, or the continued relevance of Shakespeare’s work in modern society.

After some wonderful speeches and some careful deliberation from the competition’s judges, Scarlett Morris of S2 and Loyola House was announced as the winner following her informative and passionate speech on William Shakespeare’s continued relevance in our modern times. 

Mr Meechan and Dr Simpson, who organise the College’s weekly Public Speaking Club, were judges of the Public Speaking competition and Mr Meechan said the performances at the final represented the aims of the club perfectly.

“We seek to bring out the best in our young Speakers and this was perfectly exemplified by the excellent, eloquent speeches which we heard on the day of the Final.”

Dr Simpson also added that the Public Speaking Club would be delighted to welcome new pupils from all age groups of the Senior School next year.

“The Public Speakers rose admirably to the challenge of speaking in front of the entire S2 year group, who were a wonderful audience. The calibre of the competitors gets higher every year and Scarlett gave a wonderful speech about the enduring popularity of Shakespeare’s plays.”

“If any pupil would like to get involved with Public Speaking, the club meets every Friday lunchtime in the Convent Chapel and pupils from all year groups are welcome.”

Congratulations to all St Aloysius’ College pupils who competed in this year’s Stephen Jardine Memorial Public Speaking Competition.

Ryan Duffy S4

Lucy Docherty S3

Jaxon McMenemy S3

Grace McWilliams S3

Archie Inns S3

Gabriel Mulgrew S2

Scarlett Morris S2

Humzah Razzaq S2

Cara McAllister S2

Eva Pryce S2