Three of our very own young and talented were entered by Mrs Glassock’s confidence into the Youth Speak competition initiated by the Rotary club of Frenchs Forest.
The competition required a chairman (Simon Swaddling, Year 9), a main speaker (Chris Wightley,Year 11), and a proposer of thanks (Marleta Fong, Year 11).
There were other schools whose teams had also been selected to participate in the final along with Covenant on Monday 28 May, after qualifying in the first heat the previous week.
Covenant’s participants were at the Forestville RSL Club before any other team, so were able to try out the stage. The Rotary club provided a lovely dinner, which was followed by the team’s presentations.
Finally, after listening to all the other teams, Covenant was called up. Simon comfortably and yet professionally introduced Chris to the audience which allowed them to see him in a personable light. Chris then livened the audience with his natural humour, as he encouraged them to be optimistic, because if ever there was a time to do so, it is now! He challenged them to try, as he himself would, too.
Marleta then adequately thanked Chris, expressed the relevance of the topic and thanked the Rotary Club of Frenchs Forest, District Governor Pam, President Denis, Chairman Jan and all those involved for their efforts, time, and presence there. She then asked all to stand, and put their hands together for Chris.
The Covenant team didn’t win, but there was a ‘silver lining’, and that was that they were able to represent Covenant as a very down to earth, personable and talented school. This came across in their dress, behaviour and presentation. There was a ‘standing ovation’ of a truly fantastic presentation, in which the decider of the competition was only one point difference. Covenant closely lost to Brigidine.
Congratulations to Simon, Chris, and Marleta for an outstanding effort and achievement. Thank you also to Mrs Glassock for your time and effort in nurturing and giving these young people the opportunity to share their talents in a more open way.
Marleta Fong (Year 11)
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