BARBADIAN TEENAGED speakers dominated the Caribbean stage recently with the latest four taking the top four spots in the Optimist International’s Oratorical Contest in Jamaica.
Jermaine Als, 17, of Harrison College, was the winner of the boys’ contest, while Mequissa Baptiste, 18, also of Harrison College, took the top in the Girl division.
Ellerslie Secondary School student Nicola King, 17, was second in the Girls’ division, while former Alexandra School student and now Harrison College sixth former, 18 year-old Trey Cumberbatch, was second behind Als.
This year, the topic for the oratorical contest was How My Optimism Will Help Me Press On To Greater Achievements Of The Future.
Barbados also had success in the Essay Contest with David Johnson placing second among the Boys. The essay topic was Optimism Should Be A Priority’.
Since its start in 1928, the Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International.
The contest is open to students under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or its equivalent. Students were required to prepare and deliver a four to five minute speech on the pre-assigned topic. The top prize is a scholarship worth US $2 500 to a tertiary institution of the winner’s choice. (PR/HLE)
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