Delivered by Speakers Trust and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation, Rachel Osando from Ricards Lodge High School scooped top prize in the Merton Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge!, held at Harris Academy - Merton on Tuesday 28th March 2017.

Rachel impressed the judges with her winning speech “Losing Someone You Love” fighting off stiff competition from 15 other young speakers from schools in the Merton area. About the experience she said, “It was like a dream. I can’t believe I won! I also enjoyed the experience listening to other people’s stories.”

After just one day of public speaking and effective communication training, 384 year 10 students aged 14-15, from 8 schools in Merton took part in the “Speak Out” competition. Rachel won a £100 Gift Certificate for coming first and a chance to go through to the Grand Final of the “Speak Out” Challenge! due to take place on Monday 3rd July 2017 at the Cambridge Theatre.

Cllr Brenda Fraser, Mayor of Merton presented the awards and said “Very inspiring evening with a wonderful group of young people who have real initiative and motivation and the Jack Petchey Foundation has been a great help in in getting them achieve their dreams.”

The judging panel at the event included: Amy Szott, Volunteering Coordinator (Youth) Merton Voluntary Service Council; Chris McNamara, Founder & CEO Pathway CTM; David Norris, Trustee, Speakers Trust; Raymond Kinsella, Business Engagement Manager, Merton Chamber of Commerce; Sandra Nardi, Founder, Bombshell Consultancy & Parent Education Consultancy; Siobhan Benita, Chief Strategy Officer, Warwick in London, University of Warwick; Beeta Davoudi – Runner Up Merton JPSOC 2015/16.

Second place went to Katarina Cabral, 15 from Raynes Park High with her speech “I Hate School” and third place went to Katrina Frempong, 15 from the Ursuline High School with her speech titled " What Is Too Dark?"

Submitted by Frankie Rushton