Jack Petchey's "Speak Out" Challenge - Havering Finals

9th June 2011

Colin Searle, pictured with the Worshipful Mayor of Havering, Cllr Melvin Wallace, and his wife Lady Mayoress, represented Drapers' Academy at the Havering "Speak Out" Challenge held last night at Campion School. Run by the Speakers Trust charity with sponsorship from the Jack Petchey Foundation, it is now in its fifth year and the biggest public speaking event of its kind in the world.

Speaking on the subject of school uniforms, attendance and rules etc. and their importance not just in school but for your future too his fluent and well delivered 3 minute talk deservedly received lots of applause from classmates, who attended to cheer him on. Sadly Colin wasn't picked to continue in this competition but should very proud of his achievement, with over 600 pupils in Havering taking part in the "Speak Out" challenge training and school level competition, he was one of only 18 students at the Havering finals.

Judges included; Cllr Paul Rochford, Head of Children's Services and Peter Stremes, Managing Director of TimeFM.

The Mayor commented, "A fabulous evening. All 18 speakers were winners and it really stands them in good stead for life."