On the sunny afternoon of May 6th, SHSID hosted its 27th annual persuasive speech competition in the Grand Auditorium. Students sat down in neat rows of chairs, their eyes bright and excited as they listened to the two hosts, Mr. Key and Mr. Patrick, gave an introduction and briefly explained the rules.

The eight students who were participating in the speech competition all had to deliver a persuasive speech about a significant global issue. There was a wide range of topics, from desertification to social media, from nuclear energy to gun violence.

The competition had been split into two rounds: one round for English levels S and S+ and another for levels H and H+. S and S+ students went first, closely followed by pupils from H and H+.

All of the students who went upstage performed excellently. They had worked diligently to earn their places on the grand stage, and now, the spotlight was theirs. It was their time to share knowledge about their deep understanding on the topics they had carefully chosen. Their compelling voices spilled over the audience, successfully entrancing and persuading the students and the judges.

In a flash, the audience was cheering. All eight speeches were delivered; everyone was anticipating the moment the winners would finally be revealed.

After intense deliberations, the judges had finally decided the winners.

From S and S+, Rhema from class 8(7) won first place, a certificate, and two novels. Elaine from class 8(8) won first place in the H and H+ round, along with two novels and a certificate. Principal Liu and Director Shen presented the winners with the prizes.

The judges made sure none of the participants from the competition were left out, with certificates awarded to all of the excellent finalists.

Everyone was pleased with what they had accomplished. Under the bright stage lights, over chattering from the audience, the hosts concluded the speech competition, congratulating, once again, all of the students who had participated. It was an eventful Youth Development class, and undoubtedly everyone, including the teachers and judges, learned something new.

“Although I was so nervous, it was an exhilarating and new experience for me. I learned so many new things!” said participant Lily from 8(8).

S/S+ WINNERS

First Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

Rhema

Lily

Ryan, Jamie

H/H+ WINNERS

First Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

Elaine

Evelyn

XY, Yicheng

(Written by 8(8) Lily, 8(3) Hanwen Supervised by Mr. Key, Ms Chen Pictures by 8(7) Jasmine Coco)