On the day, award judges Peter Gemmola, Robyn Clelland and Pam Weller selected Hayley Stichling from Beaufort Secondary College whose topic was ‘Ifs or Buts’ as the winner with Lauren Bowles from Ararat College who spoke on ‘Anxiety’ as the runner-up.

Hayley participated in the preliminary final at Bendigo in September.

The annual Public Speaking Awards, for students aged 12 - 14 years, required participants to present a five minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice on any subject relating to the ideals of voluntary service, social justice, caring, personnel effort, sacrifice and/or mate-ship.

This was then followed by a two minute impromptu speech with only five minutes preparation time.

Each student was given the same topic of ‘Three wishes…’ and this was intended to reveal an ability to develop a point of view on a general topic and to organise an interesting presentation within limited preparation time.

All students participating were presented with certificates with the winner also receiving $100 towards travel and participation at the next stage of the awards.

Master of Ceremony for the final was again legatee Gordon Archer from Melbourne Legacy who congratulated all the students involved on the high standard and diverse range of topics which were most interesting.

He also acknowledged the ongoing support of the colleges involved and importantly Ararat Legacy, which is proactively promoting such a worthwhile event for students throughout the region.

In presenting the awards, Ararat Legacy president Des Weller congratulated all students and encouraged other students in attendance to consider getting involved in 2016.

Though challenging, particularly in a public forum for the first time, participating is extremely rewarding.

Ararat Legacy hopes the experience for students has proved valuable for the colleges involved and encourages other colleges in the region who were unable to participate this year to get involved again in 2016.