St Nicholas wins speech competition, Selwyn & Tenaru in second positions

Saint Nicholas Anglican College is the winner of the Pacific Games 2023 (Sol2023) School Speech Competition.

Staged before a packed Friendship Hall today (Sunday 6th August, 2023), and based on the topic, “Being a Pacific Games Ambassador: How would you share your story to motivate the younger generation”, speech competition grand finale featured 10 contestants representing five schools in Honiara and Guadalcanal province.

The schools include St. Joseph Tenaru, Selwyn Anglican College, Ilia Community High School, Betikama Adventist College and St. Nicholas Anglican College, with the latter scooping up the top prices in both the Junior and Senior Categories.

St. Nicholas Grade 7 (Form 1) student, Leaba Korovo was the winner of the Junior Category, whilst Grade 12 (Form 6) student Mirriam Bobby clinched top spot in the competition’s Senior Category.

Both winners took home $3000 cash prices, Runners-up were awarded $2000 and third place winners received $1500 in cash prizes.

Junior Category Winners include:
• Winner: Leaba Korovo (St. Nicholas Anglican College)
• 2nd Place: Annlucy Baragamu (Selwyn Anglican College)
• 3rd Place: Olivette Kelly (St. Josephs Tenaru)

Senior Category Winners include:
• Winner: Mirriam Bobby (St. Nicholas Anglican College)
• 2nd Place: Mary Rausi (St. Josephs Tenaru)
• 3rd Place: Christy George (Selwyn Anglican College)

Ezmie Oge, GOC’s Media Officer and the woman behind the initiative of organizing the school speech competition to wrap up the Sol2023 Ambassadors program, said that she was indeed impressed with all the contestants and their speech deliveries.

“The finals were of very high standard and indeed really competitive. All 10 contestant did an amazing job in the delivery of their speeches, however only six winners could walk away with the cash prizes,” she said.

Ezmie added that the speeches were judged on its overall content, presentation, delivery and effectiveness.

“The judging criteria focused on; clear introductions, organization, clarity and relevance of ideas, posture, gestures, facial expression, voice projection, pronunciation, audience interest and time awareness.

“Overall, I would say that everyone were winners today, especially given the opportunity to deliver their speeches in front of a very high caliber judging panel, the audience and most importantly the Sol2023 Ambassadors.”

Meanwhile all 29 participants of the Sol2023 School Speech Competition were given Consolation prizes sponsored by Our Telekom, the Opening Ceremony Partner Sponsor of the Sol2023 Pacific Games and presented with Certificates for their participation.

• Sol2023 Media