YOUNG people took to the stage to make their voices heard as they competed in the area finals of the Jack Petchey Foundation’s Speak Out Challenge.

The competition, at Westcliff High School for Girls in Kenilworth Gardens, Westcliff, saw youngsters from Southend and Rochford district’s schools speaking on issues and topics that mattered to them.

Subjects ranged from racism to peer pressure and mental illness with youngsters having their say on several issues.

A packed house in the school’s hall cheered on the pupils who delivered their speeches with passion.

It was a close contest but the winner was Grace Adesina, 15, from the host school, who impressed the judges with her talk, on the theme, the Power of the Mind.

Grace, who lives in Romford, said: “I didn’t think I was going to win. I’m shocked. I never felt confident speaking in front of other people, but this experience has changed that.

“I would encourage others to take part, as it has really helped me.”

Second place went to Conrad Joel Kunadu, from Westcliff High School for Boys, whose talk, the Most Dangerous Thing in the World, tackled the topic of ignorance.

St Bernard’s High School pupil Molly Archer-Zeff was third, with her very personal talk about the right to die.

Molly, 15, from Westcliff, said: “I really enjoyed taking part.

“I quite like public speaking. so I’m really pleased with how I’ve done.”

This is the eighth time youngsters have entered the competition, which aims to encourage Year 10 pupils to hone their public speaking skills.

MY VIEW

16-year-old Southend High School for Girls pupil Lily Marrable – 2014 runner-up and a judge this year

I WAS delighted to be asked to judge for this year’s Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge.

I took part last year, so I could really empathise with all the contestants at the back of the hall, nervously waiting for their chance to speak out. (I must say, I much preferred looking up at the stage than looking out from it!)

From the onset, I was impressed by the confidence and elocution of these young people of a similar age to me.

I joined the rest of the judges and audience in listening to convincing speeches on topics ranging from fear, to the dislike of shopping, and I can truthfully say every single speech was thought provoking and memorable,which made the judging process exceedingly difficult.

As a judge, I was looking for composure and passion, so I was astounded by how calm and collected the contestants appeared and how they made it look as if speaking in front of a hall, filled with people was easy, which really is not the case.

The evening filled me with admiration, knowing I am part of such an articulate and confident generation.

I hope the Jack Petchey Foundation and the Speakers Trust continue to inspire others like me and the brave contestants I heard.