The eighth public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, was held on 16th May 2024 at the Sir John Wilson Town Hall , Airdrie with the following schools taking part:
Coltness High School
Lesmahagow High School
St Margaret’s High School
Stonelaw High School
Three pupils from each team spoke on the subject of ” Citizenship in our Schools and Community ” and then answered questions posed by two pupils from another team .
The judging panel was chaired by Retired Managing Partner of Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson , Solicitors and also included :
Karen Lawrie – Retired Principal Teacher of English and Exam Invigilator ;
Chris Wilson – Managing Partner at Sharles , Accountants ; and
Alison Rennie – Retired English Teacher at Duncanrig School , and Assessor at Glasgow University .
The standards achieved by all schools taking part were again exceptional focussing on the importance of citizenship and the benefits of immigration to the country . Winners of the trophy, presented by Lord Lieutenant Lady Haughey CBE were the Lesmahagow High School team of :
Charlie Bauld
Murray Callan
Aaron Cameron
Liv Jeffrey
Jennifer Pate
Ellis McAra
Lauren Steele
Teachers – Louise Parsons and Lauryn McMillan . .
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE said ” All four teams had obviously researched Citizenship extremely well and thoroughly prepared their presentations . The high standards achieved were amazing and all of the pupils participating should be very proud of their contribution and they were certainly all a credit to their respective schools .
Special thanks are due to North Lanarkshire Council for hosting the event ,organiser Andy Braidwood DL, master of ceremonies Sheriff Robert Dickson DL and John McKenzie DL who has been the driving force behind this initiative and ensured it’s continuing growth and success , the judging panel and education staff who all worked so well as a team contributing to the success of the event “