Congratulations to Year 13 student and Arts Prefect Grace Johnston who has secured herself a spot in the Lions Young Speechmaker National Competition for 2022.

This past weekend, Grace competed in the Otago/South-Canterbury Lions District 202J Speechmaker finals at Oamaru. She was required to present a 5-6 minute speech on her chosen topic (Internalised Capitalism and Toxic Productivity’), and then present a 1-2 minute impromptu speech – with only one minute to prepare - on the topic ‘What was the most important development that has occurred since your birth for all of mankind?’ She placed 2nd overall, and has now qualified for the National final, to be held in Palmerston North on 13th August. This is an impressive achievement as the competition is open to youth up to 21 years of age.

Grace is most grateful to the Lions Host Dunedin club for sponsoring her and especially to the Youth Activities Chair Jenni Mattingly.