Whitby School students contest annual Youth Speaks debating challenge
The annual debating competition for secondary schools, Youth Speaks, took place recently at Whitby School.
Despite the vagaries of the weather, three teams took part in this event - all members of Whitby School itself.
Their challenge was to deliver speeches as a team on the question of whether Britain should welcome more refugees or not.
All three teams put in thoughtful, creditable performances, showing both research into statistics, considered opinions on the subject and also the ability to express their ideas with admirable confidence and maturity.
The winning team was made up of Xavier Anscombe, Lexi Nelson and Christine Zhang with Christine also winning the Rotary Cup, awarded to the best individual speaker in the competition.
Book tokens were distributed to all who took part.
The two adjudicators who are both widely experienced in the field of education – Dave Bradley and Chris Gozzard – gave constructive advice as feedback to the contestants after a refreshment break.
It was then the pleasurable task of Steve Maltby, current President of the Rotary Club of Whitby & District, to present the prizes.
Organiser Mike Stones said: “Once again, the Youth Speaks competition has been beneficial to all who took part.
"I congratulate all who took up the challenge, thereby gaining experience and confidence which can only stand them in good stead in the future.
"We are looking forward to next year’s competition already.”