Congratulations, Courtney!

Congratulations, Courtney!

Courtney Thumb

 

 

Courtney Weir – Second Place in Northern Ireland Final of Soroptimist Competition

 

On Saturday 4th February 2017, Courtney Weir (year twelve) took part in the Northern Ireland Final of the Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition, which was held in Hillsborough Village Centre. Courtney won the local heat (Ballymoney and District) which was held in Ballymoney, back in November 2016 and involved nineteen competitors.

 

 

Having qualified for the final, Courtney then had to deliver her prepared six minute speech again at the final. Courtney’s chosen topic for her speech was, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

 

She outlined how teachers need to inspire their pupils and how education should be an enlightening experience. The speech was delivered with great enthusiasm and sincerity. After the prepared speeches were given by all fourteen finalists, the pupils then had five minutes to prepare an impromptu speech on a new, unseen topic. This year, a challenge was truly set with the topic being, “the challenge is…” Once again Courtney delivered an honest and humorous account which dealt with the challenges a GCSE student faces balancing school work with extra-curricular activities and socialising and …preparing for public speaking competitions!
On that note, Courtney deserves praise for the time and effort she put into preparing for the competition. She attended rehearsals at lunch times and after school, as well as going over her speech at home.
Overall, Courtney came second in the final which is a fantastic achievement. Prizes were presented for first, second and third place on the day. As the runner-up, Courtney was presented with The Betty Hudson Memorial Cup and gift as well as a bursary of £100. This is the second year in a row that a Rainey pupil came second in the N.I Final and the whole school community is delighted that The Betty Hudson Memorial Cup will be back in Magherafelt for another year!
Courtney represented the school incredibly well and the whole Rainey community is delighted and very proud of Courtney’s achievements. Thank you to Courtney for her commitment and thank you to Courtney’s family and the Ballymoney District Soroptimists for their continued support. And finally, huge congratulations, Courtney!

 

Miss McKay