Latest News

When is “soon”?

A question which earned a teenager praise at a regional public speaking competition.

Tilly Nelson, Year 10 student at Epping St John’s Church of England School, was among ten speakers at the Digital Final of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge.

Having delivered her speech, called When is ‘Soon’?, via video to a panel of judges, she was picked as the runner-up.

She said: “I have really enjoyed the Speak Out Challenge as it is a new experience to me which has allowed my voice to be heard. Listening to other people’s speeches was also very interesting and gave me something to think about.”

Dolleen Howlett, second in English at Epping St John’s, said: “Tilly worked on her speech at home, with me giving advice via email. Her speech discussed the importance of spending our time effectively; an apt choice in today’s climate.

“One of the judges - Chanise Evans, digital journalist and BBC Young Reporter - singled Tilly out and commended her on the originality of the topic.”

The regional final traditionally takes place in a school hall and involves students competing against each other from west Essex schools.

Due to restrictions around Coronavirus, the contest took place digitally, with Tilly pitted against students from schools from Braintree to Hammersmith.

Tilly received a certificate, a trophy and a gift certificate.