St Colman’s student Connor impresses at speaking competition

St Colman’s student Connor impresses at speaking competition

11 December 2024

A LOCAL student has impressed at a prestigious Northern Ireland school public speaking competition.

Connor McVarnock, a sixth form student at St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch competed at the annual Edgar Graham Memorial public speaking competition held at Stormont.

He made an impassioned speech entitled ‘Carbon, a Comedy of Errors’, which saw him being placed fourth out of 28 students from across Northern Ireland. 

Connor’s impactful accounts of time spent with the European Youth Council assisted him in expressing the urgency for an immediate call to action regarding our shared responsibility in reducing carbon omissions.

A spokesperson for St Colman’s High School said: His memorable anecdotes prompted celebratory laughter and applause from a large encouraging assembly in Parliament Buildings.

“Connor excelled in storytelling, whilst equally sending a strong, determined message that will no doubt be easily remembered.”

The spokesperson added: “As Connor strives to make silenced topics heard we applaud his devotion to social justice and look forward to his next address.”