Hector McIntosh Speaking Competition

Many people are likely familiar with the Melhuish Speaking Competition that the school holds every year, and which all students participate in. The debate and public speaking programs, however, took these speeches one step further. All students involved in the Fine Art of Public Speaking, and any who chose to from Debate, utilized their carefully prepared and memorized Melhuish speeches for the Hector McIntosh Speaking Competition semi-finals, hosted by the Duncan Rotary Club, with Brentwood hosting the event.  A guest judge, Greg Perri, who was also part of the panel of judges at the semi-finals, graciously volunteered his time to provide an unbiased try out session. Only two students from grades 11 and 12 combined, three from grades 9 and 10 combined, and three students from grade 8 had the opportunity to be selected. After much careful deliberation, the guest judge, as well as Ms MacInnis and Mr Bryant selected the following students to compete in the semi finals: Edward L ‘22, Jocelyn L ‘22, Santiago EF ‘22, Jessica W, Allard ‘20, Sarah R, Mackenzie ‘20, Amelia H, Allard ‘20, Jaylynn B, Allard ‘19, and Emma M, Hope ‘19.  On May 1st, these students assembled, along with students from other schools from around the Island. The Duncan Rotary Club has been organizing the Hector McIntosh since 1982, to promote and develop public speaking in four separate age groups - elementary, Grades 7&8, junior, and senior.  At 5pm, the representatives from Grade 10 gathered in the Killy Theatre with the other competitors, judges, and parents who travelled to support them. There were 10 competitors in this group, and entertaining and informative after-dinner speeches were presented by all. Two speakers from Brentwood, out of a total of three, were selected to continue to the finals: Amelia H, Allard ‘20, and Jessica W, Allard ‘20. At 7:30, three grade 8 students from Brentwood delivered impressive persuasive speeches. At the same time, the intense senior competition was taking place in the theater. All the speeches were inspiring and convincing, and Jaylynn B, Allard ‘19 persuaded the audience so well, she was also selected to compete in the finals.  The final competition will take place later in the month. I wish the best of luck to our three participating students. Thank you to Ms MacInnis and Mr Bryant for providing this opportunity, and for putting in the time and effort to host the event at our wonderful venue.  Sarah R, Mackenzie ‘20