Honiara High School holds 2025 annual speech competition day

By Jimmy Nolan 

Honiara Senior High School in Central Honiara C High today hosted its annual 2025 speech contest day today.

The speech day was based on the theme: Empowering today’s voices for a better future”.

The contest featured 13 talented orators who took to the stage to voice their thoughts on critical issues such as the influence of social media, climate change on environment, technology, youth leadership, and others more.

It was divided into two main categories: Junior (forms 4 to 5) and Senior (forms 6 to 7), allowing students of various age groups to showcase their public speaking skills.

School Principal Allen Ketei emphasized the importance of the contest as a platform for skill development.

“This annual event is designed to provide an avenue for our students to help them develop public speaking skills and gain confidence.

“This initiative helps them build confidence and learn how to present themselves in front of an audience,” he explained.

Speech contests have been a longstanding tradition at Honiara Senior High School with students frequently participating in similar events outside of school, fostering a culture of public speaking.

“Some students are still relying on their notes during presentations, but moving forward, we will work to identify these areas and provide targeted support, especially to the winners, as they prepare for future competitions,” he stated.

He noted that while many participants exhibited signs of nervousness, the overall level of participation was commendable.

 “This is a learning environment. Some students were understandably anxious, but overall, everyone gave their best effort.

“With more experience and preparation, we will be even better equipped next time,” Mr. Ketei concluded.

Meanwhile the two female students who grabbed the first prizes for the two categories are Josemina Fito’ona from form 5 red for the junior category and Summer Rose of form 7 arts for the senior category.

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