The historic Senate Chamber at Stormont once again played host to one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious youth public speaking competitions, held in memory of the late Edgar Graham—a respected academic, politician, and advocate for young people. The event brought together 30 talented competitors from schools across Northern Ireland, each demonstrating eloquence, confidence, and a passion for important issues shaping today’s world. Wallace High students Lauren and Elodie were delighted to take part in such a prestigious event.
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Inspiring Speeches on Timely Topics
The atmosphere inside the Senate Chamber was one of anticipation and inspiration as students took to the floor to deliver speeches on topics ranging from mental health and climate change to technology and social justice. The event, which has become a significant fixture in the calendar of many schools across Northern Ireland, aims to nurture the next generation of articulate, thoughtful leaders.
Wallace Students Shine on Stage
Year 14 student Lauren was highly commended for her engaging and heartfelt address on her lifelong passion for reading. Lauren spoke with warmth and conviction about the power of books to shape imagination, foster empathy, and create connections across cultures and generations. Her speech reminded listeners of the timeless joy found in reading and the ways in which literature can inspire curiosity and understanding in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world.
Lauren’s words resonated deeply with the judges and audience alike. She reflected on how reading had been both a comfort and a catalyst for personal growth, encouraging others to rediscover the simple but profound pleasure of immersing themselves in a good book. Her poised delivery and evident enthusiasm earned her well-deserved recognition and praise from the panel.
Equally impressive was Year 12 student Elodie, who made her competition debut with a compelling and mature exploration of the role of social media in promoting misogyny. Tackling a challenging and contemporary issue, Elodie spoke with remarkable confidence and insight. She examined how online platforms, while offering spaces for creativity and connection, can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes and enable gender-based abuse.
Her thoughtful analysis, supported by clear examples and persuasive reasoning, highlighted the need for accountability and education in digital spaces. Elodie’s performance was particularly noteworthy for its clarity and composure—qualities that made her one of the standout first-time participants in this year’s event.
Honouring Legacy Through Dialogue
The competition was attended by an esteemed panel of guests, including Mike Nesbitt MLA, Lady Sylvia Hermon, and Lady Daphne Trimble, each of whom praised the participants for their maturity, eloquence, and courage in tackling complex and often sensitive topics. Their presence added a sense of occasion and gravitas to the event, while their words of encouragement reminded the young speakers of the importance of civic engagement and thoughtful debate in a democratic society.
In their closing remarks, the judges commended the competitors not only for the quality of their speeches but also for the empathy and awareness they demonstrated. They noted that the event continues to uphold Edgar Graham’s legacy by promoting public speaking as a means of fostering leadership, confidence, and a commitment to community service among young people.
The Senate Chamber, with its rich political history and atmosphere of respectful debate, provided a fitting backdrop for the competition. For many students, speaking in such a prestigious setting was a moment of great pride—an opportunity to stand where legislators and leaders have stood, and to have their voices heard on issues that matter deeply to them.
Reflecting on the success of the Wallace students, Head of English Mrs Gillian Weir expressed her pride in their accomplishments. She commended Lauren and Elodie for representing Wallace so impressively and thanked their parents for their ongoing support and encouragement. Mrs Weir also acknowledged the school’s strong tradition of excellence in public speaking, noting that such achievements highlight the confidence, intellect, and creativity of Wallace pupils. She added that she is looking forward to future competitions in the coming months, confident that many more students will continue to thrive in this area.
As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism for the future. The speeches delivered by Lauren, Elodie, and their peers served as a reminder that the next generation of thinkers and leaders are already shaping the conversations that will define the years ahead.
The Edgar Graham Memorial Public Speaking Competition not only celebrates eloquence and intellect but also underscores the enduring importance of dialogue, understanding, and compassion in public life. Through their words and ideas, this year’s young speakers paid tribute to that legacy—and ensured it continues to inspire for generations to come.
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Last modified: October 9, 2025
