Recapping the 27th Annual Grade 7 & 8 Speaking Competition
On Friday, May 22, in front of their peers and teachers, 12 Grade 7 and 8 students participated in the 27th annual St. Michael’s College School (SMCS) Public Speaking Competition.
“It was a celebration of courage, creativity, conviction, and the power of student voice,” says Matt Pagano ’92, Core Intermediate Department Head. “The Grade 7 and 8 student body gathered to witness something increasingly rare in today’s world: young people willing to stand in front of an audience, organize their thoughts, and speak with purpose and confidence. The competition was a testament to the great work done by the classes in their oral communication units.”
The well-rehearsed speeches delved into topics ranging from doomscrolling and phone use to mental health and how to handle failure.
“Honestly, before performing, I was a bit nervous, more than before even a championship basketball game,” says Jayden-Elson Ngabirano, Grade 8, who spoke eloquently about how waking up is the greatest blessing you will ever receive. “But I took a deep breath and slowed my breathing down, and when I got to the stage, my thoughts and words calmed me down, and it was smooth sailing from there.”
Of the 12 competitors, the top three speakers were awarded first-, second-, and third-place plaques. The top student will also have their name etched onto the champions’ plaque that features the names of all the winners dating back to the first competition in 1998-99.
“Although I was incredibly anxious beforehand, all of my nerves vanished the moment I stepped onto the stage,” says John (Declan) Connon, Grade 7, who detailed the ups and downs of smartphone use in his speech. “This entire process ultimately taught me the true value of confidence and preparation. As a new student at St. Mike’s, I honestly did not expect to achieve first place, making this victory an incredible honour and an unforgettable surprise.”
The competition serves as the culmination of the Grade 7 and 8 English unit on oral communication. It initially showcases students’ public speaking skills through in-class presentations, with finalists then selected to speak on stage.
“Before I stepped on stage, I told myself: ‘I’m not scared, I’m excited.’ Your brain can’t tell the difference and that mindset changed everything,” says Luan Murray, Grade 7, whose energetic speech illustrated the power of a word. “I honestly wasn’t even expecting to be chosen to do the speeches, let alone win third place, especially in my first year at St. Michael’s College School. Public speaking went from something intimidating to one of the most fun and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
Congratulations to Connon, first place, Ngabirano, second, and Murray, third, on three incredible speeches.
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