Moving speeches celebrate our community and heroes

The judging panel – Deputy Principals, Ms Cathy Archer and Mr Ian Godby, as well as the Arts Captain, Mia, faced a difficult challenge in determining the best of the best. In their summary, they commented on the passion and rhetoric expressed by the speakers as they discussed their heroes. The audience heard about inspiring people that included a grandmother, a local doctor, volunteers and leaders.

Clara and Sarah both spoke powerfully about their shared hero, Laya Slavin, of My Big Kitchen, whose 650 volunteers make more than 70,000 meals each year for people in need. The judges commended so many of these fine speeches, including Lola’s personal account of meeting her hero, Jacinda Ardern.

In the end the judges were able to narrow their verdict to just one speaker. This student captured his audience’s minds and hearts as he discussed a hero who we all know at RBSC; his brother.

Finn was awarded with the perpetual Michael Koutsoukis Memorial Public Speaking shield, and all the finalists’ achievement were acknowledged with a certificate. Thank you to Year 7 coordinator, Ms Jaime Akins, for organising this event. It was an excellent celebration of the talents of our Year 7 cohort and an opportunity to remember the dedication of Michael Koutsoukis and his contribution to our school. He was indeed a hero to many of his students.