YOUTH PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

Feb 2
2 min read

For the first time since 2020 the Coldwater Branch hosted a Youth Public Speaking competition on February 1, 2026. We had four students from the Grade 4-5 category, and their speeches were amazing. Congratulations to all participants, particularly to 1^st place winner Ben Hickey, who explained to the audience why school should start later in the morning; to 2^nd place Lily Tang, who discussed the power of the word "no"; and to 3^rd place Sydney Steele, who reminded us to respect the environment. The Public Speaking Competition, part of the Legion's Youth Education program, is meant to give young people an opportunity to speak in public. Participants get to choose their own subject matter for the address. The contest takes place initially at branch level, and winners progress through zone, district and area levels, concluding at the Provincial level in the spring. The contestants are divided into categories based on grade levels. Thank you to our judges Norm Marion, Anne Frankish, Hans Klanert; to our timekeepers Paula Brown and Margaret-Anne Murray; our scrutineers Grace Mahoney and Rob Price; and our door keeper Brenda Price. A huge thank-you to the Youth Education Committee Chair, Cheryll Barr, and the members of her committee: Marlene Klanert, Debbie Southorn, Yvonne Sauvé, and John O’Hara. And again, congratulations to all participants!

The participants in the Grades 4-5 category of the Public Speaking Competition, left-to-right: Sloane Devenz; Lily Tang; Branch President Kari Malmström; Sydney Steele; and Ben Hickey.

Many parents, relatives and friends came to the Coldwater Legion on February 1 to support the young participants of the Public Speaking competition.

Member of the Coldwater Branch Youth Education Committee, Marlene Klanert, explains the rules before the start of the competition.

Congratulations to Ben Hickey who took 1st place in the Grades 4-5 category in the Public Speaking Competition, and will now progress to the Zone level. Left-to-right are Marlene Klanert representing the Youth Education Committee; Ben Hickey; and Branch President Kari Malmström.

Congratulations to Lily Tang who took 2^nd place in the Grades 4-5 category in the Public Speaking Competition. Left-to-right are Marlene Klanert representing the Youth Education Committee; Lily Tang; and Branch President Kari Malmström.

Congratulations to Sydney Steele who took 3^rd place in the Grades 4-5 category in the Public Speaking Competition. Left-to-right are Marlene Klanert representing the Youth Education Committee; Sydney Steele; and Branch President Kari Malmström.

Congratulations to Sloane Devenz for her participation in the Grades 4-5 category of the Public Speaking Competition. Left-to-right are Marlene Klanert representing the Youth Education Committee; Sloane Devenz; and Branch President Kari Malmström.

Branch President Kari Malmström (right) presents a gift to Paula Brown, one of the many Branch volunteers who helped with the organisation of the Youth Public Speaking Competition. Judges, scrutineers, timekeepers and all volunteer helpers were also presented gifts of appreciation.

Branch President Kari Malmström (right) presents a gift to Anne Frankish, one of the many Branch volunteers who helped with the organisation of the Youth Public Speaking Competition. Judges, scrutineers, timekeepers and all volunteer helpers were also presented gifts of appreciation.