The District Finals of the annual R.O. & B.M. Colls Memorial Lecturette Competition were held on Monday evening, November 3, at the Home Hill State School Resource Centre.
This long-standing Burdekin tradition invites Year 6 students from across the district to research, write and deliver a persuasive speech on a factual topic linked to an area of school study. Each participating school selects two representatives, with thirteen talented finalists taking to the stage this year. Contestants were adjudicated on the quality of their content, language, and delivery.
The overall winner was Arden Jane Mitchell, representing St Francis Catholic Primary School, Ayr. Arden Jane captivated the audience and judges alike with her powerful and deeply moving speech titled “Sticks and Stones… and Tiny Graves,” which explored the confronting issues of childhood bullying and youth suicide.
Arden Jane’s courage and compassion shone through as she addressed this difficult but vital topic, earning her the prestigious Colls Lecturette Trophy, a particularly meaningful moment for her family as the trophy also bears the name of her uncle, Ben Brandon, who won the same award in 2003.
Arden Jane’s mother, Kady Brandon, said, “Arden spent hours preparing her speech and finding the courage to tackle such an emotional subject in front of her peers and community. She hoped her words might reach even one person that evening.”
The judges described Arden Jane as “a young lady going places”, praising her articulate, eloquent and mature delivery.
Arden also recently received an Academic Scholarship to Ayr State High School, where she will begin her secondary education next year. With her natural talent and determination, it seems clear that this young achiever has a bright future ahead.
The judges described Arden Jane as “a young lady going places”, praising her articulate, eloquent and mature delivery. Photo supplied
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