Stage two student Sophie Nolan and Stage three student Flynn Bunn both competed against the top ten speakers in the region in their respective age groups via video conferencing.

Assistant Principal Belinda Hunt said that the entire school community was 'extremely proud' of the hard work both Sophie and Ryan had put into preparing for the Riverina final.

"Their speeches were inspiring, showcasing that the future of Griffith is in safe hands with such wise, tolerant and open minded students in the community," Mrs Hunt said.

Flynn has previously won the state championship for Stage two in 2020, but was presented with a new challenge in this years competition with more sophisticated content and deeper elaboration required against other older competitions.

He told The Area News however that he wasn't fazed.

"I actually felt a bit less pressure speaking this year against older students as I can get experience to use in the future," Flynn said.

His classmate Sophie doesn't have quite as much experience, and competed in her very first regional final this year.

According to Mrs Hunt, Sophie displayed the 'composure and maturity of a veteran in her competition'.

"It was her impromptu speech that really set her apart from her competitors which featured a relatable story with a clear message and a stirring call to action," Mrs Hunt said.

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Sophie said that speaking online helped her feel less nervous.

"It felt different because you couldn't see everybody and it was more difficult speaking with the adjudicators after the speeches," Sophie said.

"I was really nervous when I thought not many people were watching, so speaking online actually helped me to feel less nervous."

Griffith East Public School Public Speaking Coordinator Rhys Thomas said the school was 'very proud' of both students.

"We're really proud of the way they've worked to refine their skills and their already outstanding speeches over the last few months," Mr Thomas said.

All our school community wishes them the very best of luck at the NSW finals."

The finals will be held later this year.

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