Harper Paroissien, 10, has made herself a piece of history after winning the regional final of District 201V6 Lions Junior Public Speaking competition in Corowa.
With humility and maturity beyond her years, the Year 5 student was crowned state finalist in the Year 5/6 category, all while being bottom-age and going up against students from larger towns like Albury and Wodonga.
Teacher Mary Swoffer said she was very proud of her student and excited to see her perform at the state final at Kialla.
“She has really strong vocabulary, she’s a strong student, but she takes on feedback really well and she’s done that throughout the process,” Mrs Swoffer said.
Harper’s achievement is all the more special considering she is the first Barooga Public School student to reach the state finals in living memory.
Harper presented a prepared speech on the night, after which she had 10 minutes to write and one minute to present an impromptu speech.
Her prepared speech responded to whether technology was advancing too fast.
Harper then drew on her school’s values of respect, responsibility and safety to discuss how they created a sense of community for her impromptu speech.
Even when she was in the spotlight, with the medal around her neck, Harper made sure to encourage the other students.
“You can see she’s building the enthusiasm for other students to walk in her footsteps,” Mrs Swoffer said.
Harper was joined on the night by St Joseph’s Primary School student Liam Mustica, who did his family, school and the Cobram Lions Club proud with his speeches in the Year 3/4 speaking category.
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