A STUDENT from Douay Martyrs RC School, Ickenham, was crowned Hillingdon public speaker of the year.
Michelle Omoruyi, 14, who wants to be a lawyer, spoke on racism and is now in line to take the overall title in Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge, the largest of its kind in the world.
Students from across the borough came together at Bishopshalt School to determine the Hillingdon champion, with Michelle winning a £100 gift certificate and the chance to go through to the final in London.
Runner-up was Alice Holding, 14, from Bishopshalt, with her speech on autism and third was Hadi Al-Atrash, 14, also from Bishopshalt, with a speech entitled The Other Side.
The Mayor, Cllr David Yarrow, who was on the judging panel, presented the awards.
This year, more than 20,000 Year 10 students across London and Essex are taking part in Speak Out.
Michelle automatically qualifies for the semi-final, with a chance to represent Hillingdon at the final in July.
You can watch Michelle’s winning speech here: https://youtu.be/DHx4RGsVvpY
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here