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St Aloysius' College: National Champions (Intermediate level) in RIBI's “Youth Speaks!†2017 competition
Personal Excellence
St Aloysius' College: National Champions (Intermediate level) in RIBI's “Youth Speaks!” 2017 competition
St Aloysius’ College pupils Humzah Razzaq (S2), Scarlett Morris (S2) and Eva Pryce (S2) have just returned from the impressive auditorium of Thomas Telford School in Shropshire where, on Sunday 7th May, they were crowned National Champions (Intermediate level) in RIBI's “Youth Speaks!” 2017 competition. The trio, sponsored by Glasgow Rotary and Rotary District 1230, gave a first class performance on the enigmatic topic of “Goldilocks”.
They emerged as clear winners only after a truly exhilarating encounter with the champions from each of Rotary’s six other Great Britain and Ireland regions.
After an outstanding team performance, Eva was awarded “Best Vote of Thanks” and Scarlett won “Best Speaker” prize. Humzah’s exemplary work as chairperson was central to the school’s excellent teamwork tally. He took the initiative in researching Thomas Telford’s Scottish roots and humorously reframed a challenging audience question, which allowed Scarlett to answer it more directly. Tournament sponsor and motivational speaker, David Hyner, even congratulated Humzah on his delivery of the best joke of the day!
Each was presented with a participation certificate, winner’s certificate and £100 Amazon voucher, as well as individual trophies to denote their new status as national champions. A further trophy and certificate was presented to the school, to keep alongside those already won at District and Regional finals. The trio also received a DVD and magazine on the art of presentation, from tournament sponsors Stretch Developments.
A lovely lunch was served in this idyllic venue, and RIBI President Eve Conway and District 1210 Governor John Sayer shared some fascinating insights into the work of Rotary and its battle to eradicate Polio. Other distinguished guests on the day included the Mayor of Telford, as well as several professional speakers who served as independent judges, and who gave helpful and insightful tips to the competitors at close of proceedings.
St Aloysius’ College pupils, parents and proud teachers would particularly like to thank our sponsors, Bill Christie, Iain Wylie and their colleagues at the Rotary Club of Glasgow, as well as John and Kathleen Tuck and everyone at District 1230. We are so pleased that we have been able to repay your support by making the most of the valuable opportunity you gave us!
Our immense gratitude must also go to Head Teacher, Sir Kevin Satchwell and his staff at Thomas Telford School, and to Competition Co-ordinator Malcolm Hallewell, his wife and their team of miracle workers for making us all feel so welcome. With the help of numerous hi-viz-jacketed stewards from the local clubs, everything seemed to flow very smoothly on the surface – but a final salute must go to those Rotarians and friends whose underwater paddling sustained that illusion throughout this lovely Shropshire Sunday!
