General News
22 September, 2025
Legacy Junior Public Speaking Awards
Congratulations to Hopetoun P-12 College student, Darcy, for participating in the State Final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award, held at Legacy House in Ballarat on Wednesday, September 10 2025.
There was tough competition on the day, with students from a variety of schools across the state competing: Portland, Ballarat, Warrnambool, Stawell, Murtoa, and Timboon.
The event was coordinated by Legatee Allan McKinnon, with Hugh Roberton as Master of Ceremonies. The panel of adjudicators consisted of Barbara Dunlop (chief judge), Noelle Pratt, and Michael Landry, with Legatees John Morris and Greg Watt as timekeepers.
The day began with a morning tea and meet and greet, establishing the warm and welcoming environment. Many of the participants had their support crews present – with parent, family members, teachers, and Legatees.
The competition began with the 5-minute prepared speech, which showcased the wide range of approaches and skills involved in public speaking.
Darcy represented our college with dedication and enthusiasm, presenting his speech on ‘Overcoming Hardship’.
Other topics presented were: Unlikely Heroes; The Courage to be Different; Climate Denial as a Structured System; Purpose; Escapism; Your Struggle Deserves Help, Regardless of the Depth; What Social Justice Means to Me; and Listen to Remember.
Participants moved straight into the next round, the impromptu speech, focused on the topic of ‘forks’.
This led to some interesting interpretations of cutlery (Ariel’s dinglehopper and incorrect use of forks being the highlights), machinery, and ‘forks’ in the road, leading to different pathways in life. This section highlighted participants ability to engage with a topic creatively and critically, in a short space of time.
All participants were then presented with their certificates and medallions, before some group feedback and the announcements of the winners.
Congratulations to Ajay (from Portland) for achieving first place, and Shayla (from Stawell) for runner up. Both will be competing in the National Final at Parliament House, Adelaide, on November 17, 2025.
The day then concluded with a catered lunch and some networking.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and we invite our junior secondary students to consider participating in the program next year.
Many thanks to Legatees Phillip Nicks, Alan Malcolm, and Gwen Malcolm, as well as Darcy’s father Greg, for supporting Darcy through his public speaking journey.
– JESSICA O'LOGHLEN