Year 9 MISA Youth of the Year MISA Youth of the Year was a public speaking competition hosted by the College on the 26th of August. Composed of a 10 minute interview and a prepared 3 minute speech, the competition focused on our understanding of local, national and global issues. One male and one female student from 11 schools in the Macarthur region participated, with Gloria and I having the privilege to represent Mount Carmel. The competition was judged by the Toastmasters panel from Campbelltown Catholic Club, a branch of Toastmasters International that hold world public speaking forums. The first part of the competition was an impromptu interview with the Toastmasters panel (that actually felt more like a conversation) that assessed our social awareness of contemporary issues. We were then judged on a pre-prepared speech in front of an audience of strangers. Despite being a close contest, it was evident that all competitors were ‘winners’. We managed to learn new public speaking skills, practise new ideas under pressure, and communicate with other like-minded students from the local Macarthur area. The greatest amount of gratitude to the Toastmasters Campbelltown Catholic Club branch and Mr Powell for making the day possible. The day was proof how enjoyable public speaking can be when people give things a go. 

Ryan Holmes, Year 9