7:30am Saturday 24th January 2009
By Neil Phillips
SEVERAL of Wycombe's schools could be heard clearing their throats on Thursday night as they prepared to do battle in an annual public speaking contest.
The 32nd Youth Speaks competition, staged by the Rotary Club of High Wycombe, was held at Wycombe Abbey School.
Clive Hitchen, one of the organisers, said: “The purpose of this event is to give pupils from local schools experience in public speaking and in a competitive environment. This year the number of participants is positive proof that the event remains as popular as ever.”
Taking part were Cressex Community School, John Hampden Grammar School, The Royal Grammar School, Wye Valley School, Wycombe Abbey School and Wycombe High School. In total they entered eight teams of three for the Intermediate Competition and six teams for the Senior competition The chairmen of each judging panel praised the contestants for the high standards of speeches and their confidence in addressing the audience, made up of teachers, parents, friends and Rotarians.
Winner of the intermediate category was Wycombe High School, while the Royal Grammar School's Team A took the prize for the senior section.
Both winning teams will go on to compete in a 'Rotary Zone Final' next month. If successful they will then go on to a a district and national final later in the year.
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