Kirkcudbright Academy was the forum recently for the annual Youth Speaks Competition sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kirkcudbright.
Eleven pupils from the school participated with those from the S1 to S3 year group competing for a decorative Quaich whereas the prize for the winner from the Senior School was the Jim Scott Memorial Trophy. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the award of that Trophy. To the evident enjoyment of the audience the topics chosen by the participants covered a wide range of interests, including Anne Frank to the importance of drama in the curriculum, and demonstrated the knowledge, enthusiasm and ability of all of those who took part.
The panel of judges drawn form the Academy (Mrs Clelland), the Community (Dr David Deveraux) and the Rotary Club (Mike Kirby) most skilfully discharged their duty with the chair person announcing the winners from the Junior School as 1st – Magnus Riley; 2nd – Megan Ginnelly; and, 3rd – Douglas Greive, with those from the Senior School being 1st – Dylan Blore; 2nd – Lydia Reilly; and, 3rd James Hannay. Rona Johnston was recognised by the judges as the most promising runner-up among the speakers
The prizes were awarded by Rotary President, Dr John Locke, who commended all of the participants for their efforts. In his closing remarks MC for the event, Gavin Scott, observed that the competition had been a great success and thanked the English Department of the Academy for supporting and encouraging all of the pupils who had been involved.
