The eighth annual public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, was held on 16 May 2024 at the Sir John Wilson Town Hall, Airdrie.
The competition saw participation from Coltness High School, Lesmahagow High School, St Margaret's High School from Airdrie, and Stonelaw High School.
Three pupils from each school team presented their views on "Citizenship in our Schools and Community" and answered questions posed by students from other teams. The judging panel, chaired by Retired Managing Partner of Campbell Riddell Breeze Paterson, Solicitors, 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 competition highlighted the exceptional standards achieved by all participating schools, focusing on the importance of citizenship and the benefits of immigration. The Lesmahagow High School team emerged victorious, with the trophy presented by Lord Lieutenant Lady Haughey CBE.
Lady Haughey CBE praised the teams, saying, "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; they were certainly all a credit to their respective schools."
Special thanks were extended 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. The combined efforts of the judging panel and education staff were crucial to the event's success.
More pictures from the event are available on our Flickr page.