Against stiff competition Beechwood Park School and Katherine Warington School came out winners in the Harpenden heat of the Rotary Youth Debate Competition. Beechwood Park lifted the Intermediate Cup and the Katherine Warington team the Senior Cup.

This national competition, formerly known as Youth Speaks, has for many years given youngsters invaluable experience in public speaking and, more recently, debating.

The topics chosen for debate were varied and thought provoking and, in the view of the judges, presented to a very high standard.

Both winning teams competed in the District heats, held at Bishop Hatfield Girls’ School.  Beechwood Park again showed their debating skills in winning the Intermediate competition. The team now progress to the Regional heat. In a very close-fought Senior competition the Katherine Warington team achieved third place.

Rotary in Harpenden President Claire Wright is pictured with the successful Katherine Warington team