This year’s Junior Speech Competition had something for everyone.

Andrew Derks and Tom Spicer entertained the audience with their persuasive speeches on why Dead Pool and Robert Downey Jr. are excellent role models. Taking a more informative approach, Samuel Blackwood delivered an extremely articulate and coherent speech on populism, while RV Quijano discussed poverty in developing countries. Dealing with darker issues in New Zealand, Kahu McLean delivered a powerful speech on pollution and Hugh Askerud discussed our country's struggle with domestic violence.

Overall, the standard was very high- placing the judges, Debbie Vercoe and Ryan Westgate, in a difficult position. After much deliberation, Hugh Askerud was awarded top speaker in Year 9, with Andrew Derks and Kahu McLean receiving second equal. First place in the Year 10 division went to RV Quijano, winning his category two years in a row. Frazer Clarke, who spoke passionately about sex discrimination, placed second and Rhys Wheeler’s satirical political talk on contemporary issues earned him third place.

Entertaining, informing and thought-provoking- this year’s speech competition really did have something for everyone.