Denbigh’s St Brigid’s School has triumphed in the Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate Competition 2024 national final.

These North Wales teens confidently defeated rivals with their debate on the topic 'It's okay to cheat', winning over both judges and audience at the John Innes Conference Centre at Norwich Research Park, Norfolk.

Rotary Youth Speaks: A Debate, run by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland, continues to encourage schoolchildren to discuss important social topics and improve their knowledge and articulation abilities.

The competition has several stages, starting from local Rotary clubs and culminating in national finals.

The competition was split into two age groups: intermediate (11 to 13-year-olds) and senior (14 to 17-year-olds) representing Rotary Clubs spread across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

With the help of the Denbigh Rotary Club, the St Brigid’s team, consisting of Jessica Atherton, Joseff Tranmer, and Christian Qualters, successfully clinched the title in the intermediate category with their compelling debate.

Rotarian and event organiser, Peter Dowse said: "The judges all remarked on the excellence of the speakers and stated it was a couple of points between all entries when coming to a conclusion.

"There were many positive comments made by parents, Rotarians, teachers and attendees.

"We thank everyone as a whole, and Rotary for their support."

For more details on Rotary’s competitions and programmes to empower young minds, visit www.rotarygbi.org.