BY JOY OFASIA
THE Perch Christian School in east Honiara buzzed with excitement yesterday as students from various year groups took to the stage for the annual speech competition.
Held at the school hall, the event drew a sizable audience, including esteemed guest Mr. Solomon Yeo, who addressed the gathering with an inspiring message.
Mr. Yeo, who served as the guest of honor, emphasized the event’s theme, “Developing Confidence, Embracing Our Culture.”
In his speech, Yeo highlighted the importance of cultural identity in shaping both personal and national representation.
“Understanding and embracing our culture equips us to present ourselves and our communities with pride,” Yeo said.
The competition featured a diverse range of topics tailored to different age groups. The Junior category’s theme was “What I Want to Become When I Grow Up,” while the Intermediate category tackled “Our Culture is Our Identity.” The Senior category debated “Is Tourism a Gain or a Loss?”
Students from PPY class to Year 9 participated in the contest, which was divided into three categories: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior. Each category saw impressive performances, reflecting the students’ dedication and growth in public speaking skills.
In the Junior category, Hazel Sibia emerged as the 1st prize winner, with Telena Lilo and Beniato Arnon taking the 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. The Intermediate category saw Raywin Qalopui clinching 1st prize, followed by Champagnant Salo and Joanna Waihaho. The Senior category’s top prize went to Philistus Vaka, with Brenan Sevala and Dobriella securing 2nd and 3rd places.
The speech competition is not just an opportunity for students to showcase their abilities but also serves as an annual fundraiser for the school’s ongoing projects. With the support of the school community and sponsors, Perch Christian School continues to foster a culture of learning and leadership.
The event’s success underscores the significance of developing confidence and embracing cultural heritage, as emphasized by Mr. Yeo. The school community looks forward to continuing this tradition and nurturing future leaders through such impactful activities.
