We are delighted to announce that Lara in Year 11 was the runner-up in this year’s GDST Chrystall Prize semi-final!
Just before the half-term break, OHS hosted an online semi-final of the GDST Chrystall Prize: a prestigious public-speaking competition for Year 11 students, named in honour of Chrystall Carter who was a long-time Legal Adviser at the GDST. Students across five GDST schools spoke for seven minutes on a topic of their choice, as well as fielding questions, and we were delighted to welcome barrister and OHS alumna Asma Nizami, radio producer Beaty Rubens, and Professor Bart van Es to judge the competition.
Shrewsbury High School took first place, while Lara was runner-up with her speech, ‘The current state of democracy renders voting pointless’. Lara spoke impressively and was highly commended for her excellent application of research and her handling of sensitive subject matter!
“I entered because I thought it would look good on a CV and I like to argue, and this felt like a much needed platform to bring to light some of the numerous problems plaguing our society. Candidates spoke about politicians’ truthfulness, fast fashion, body image, the power of the pen versus the sword – they touched on real world issues humankind needs to face now with a relentless honesty that is so seldom encountered.
While this is not exactly a world changing opportunity, it is an opportunity nonetheless, one that we must not take for granted.
So to any OHS student who likes to argue – and there are a lot of you – this is a really excellent opportunity.” – Lara
Congratulations to Lara! We are very proud of you.