18th Annual JS Public Speaking Results
By Mark Rafferty
"Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last week, the students in Grades 4, 5, and 6, along with their teachers and families, gathered in the Paul C. Duckett Theatre to witness their classmates compete in CDS’s 18th Annual Junior School Public Speaking Competition.
Ideas have the power to change the world. Through our words, we can convince others to follow, inspire them to lead, and move them toward action. Our young speakers were able to demonstrate their potential as the minds that will shape the future. And we had the opportunity to admire their confidence, courage, and resilience. These presentations were the culmination of months of hard work—researching topics, practising delivery, and incorporating presentation skills to enhance their words. If I may dare to speak for my colleagues, throughout the process, their efforts not only made us proud, but they also impressed and inspired their peers with speeches that were both thoughtful and persuasive.
The purpose of this event was not winning and losing; in fact, every single contestant should feel pride in their results. They showed bravery, dedication, and poise as they took the stage. Each and every one demonstrated remarkable growth while developing a life skill that will help not only in school but also as they take their next steps into the future.
At the close of the event, we were excited to recognize this year’s winners:
Grade 5 Winner:
- Celeste Cartwright - “AI in the Classroom”
Grade 6 Winners:
- 1st: Chiara Cortellucci-Ursini - “The Importance of Making Your Own Food”
- 2nd: Allie Strgacic - “The Benefits of Pressure for Kids”
Grade 5 Finalists:
- Danielle Ni—"We Want a Third Recess”
- Airabella Rainer—Less Technology, More Learning”
- Lottie Reginald—"Why We Need More Library”
- Dylan Sepiashvili —“How to Lessen Climate Change”
- Owen Sun—"Social Media—Reshaping Our Attention Span”
Grade 6 Finalists:
- Mya Cammalleri—"Small Habits Make a Big Difference”
- Tavio Ferri—"Why We Should Have a Four-day School Week"
- Prosper Hayman—"Teaching AI in the Classroom”
- Tessa Pizzale —“Predator vs. Prey”
- Allie Strgacic— “The Benefits of Pressure for Children”
We offer heartfelt congratulations to all our finalists for their hard work throughout this process. It can be difficult to stand up in front of your peers and share your words with such passion and poise. Your courage sets an example and should fill you with a sense of pride. Well done!
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Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
