As we are all returning to some kind of normal, the English Department was delighted to welcome back an essential tradition in our school calendar. John Scottus School prides itself on the ability to express ourselves to engender reflection and the possibility for change and development in our lives. This was seen in abundance when our students presented their heartfelt reflective speeches at our Annual Speech Competition.  

On Friday, May 13^th, we all gathered, united once again, to be entertained and delighted by the thoughts, ruminations and observations of our great and brave students on a purpose-built stage. The speeches were diverse and gave us an insight into issues and concerns the students had in many areas.  

Our Junior Competitors (First to Third Year) examined themes such as: “Why we should learn multiple languages”  by Faye Keating (First year), “Why Pets are good for people” by Sascha Allen (First year),  “Axolotls” by Leon Liston (First year) and “Sexism in Sport” by our First-year student Iona Murnane, who came second in the Junior Competition. Brenna Gallager Doyle from the Second year was awarded third place for her speech on Cancer. Our third-year participants were James Dunne with ‘The Purpose of Supplements in Sport’ and “Why Wolves should be reintroduced to Ireland”  by Ferdia Punch.  

Our Senior competition comprised of topics such as: “The Eating Disorder Epidemic”, by our Fifth-year student and incoming Head Girl, Daisy Tyner,  who was also was awarded third place, “The Moral Bankruptcy of Virtue Signalling” by Stan Aniol, (Sixth year), “Rats are underrated” by Elijah Allen (Fifth year), “Why I think you should know about Japan” by our TY student Rintaro Okuda and reflections on “How Consumerism is destroying our planet” by Anahita Aryan’s (TY), who was awarded second prize.  

And now to the winners! The winner of the Junior Competition was Will Keating, from Second year, with his entertaining speech on “Why Marvel Movies are bad” and Grace Cunnane, the outgoing Head Girl, (in Sixth Year) raised the Senior plaque for her speech on “Why Rom Com is the best Genre”.  

The Judges, Mrs Katryn Breen, a past member of the teaching staff and English Department and Mr Chaitanya Brady, a past pupil and journalist with the Irish Catholic, praised the high standard and commitment each participant gave.  

During the interval, the Music Department entertained us with their musical talents. Thank you to Mr Kerr, Ms Williams and all the students who took part in the musical interlude.  

A thank you needs to be given to all staff, judges and students who helped to make this event truly great. 

All participants were fantastic and deserved fervent applause. Their determination, triumph over fear, and reflective abilities are all aspects of a winner.  

It is, was and continues to be, without fail, an inspiring event in the school calendar.