Chrystal Prize Speaking Competition

Following a successful internal auditions process, Sarena in 11C journeyed to Sutton High GDST on Thursday 23^rd January to participate in the GDST Chrystall Carter Public Speaking Competition.

The Chrystall Prize is named after Chrystall Carter who was Legal Adviser to the GDST for nine years until her untimely death in 1999. She had a powerful belief in the power of reasoned argument and pushed for public speaking to take a higher role in the GDST. After she died her husband set up the competition. It is a wonderful way for girls to build confidence and have their ideas and voices heard.

Sarena’s seven minute speech was on the question, ‘Are humans becoming defunct?’ – she spoke with great passion and brought her speech to life with many personal anecdotes. The judges praised her positive body language and commented that Sarena maintained this through a tough round of questioning – well done Sarena! Most impressive was Sarena’s ability to connect with her audience – eye contact, gesturing and even walking around the stage made it seem like a TEDx talk at times.

The competition was fierce in our heat as we were up against Bromley, Sydenham, Blackheath, Sutton and South Hampstead. Topics ranged from ‘Memory is the most important part of identity’ to ‘There is no such thing as “evil’’ ‘.

We’re delighted to announce that Sarena came first in the Chrystall Prize public speaking competition and now goes through to the final at Portsmouth High at the end of February – watch this space! Congratulations – you’ve made us very proud.

Miss Howie