Photo: (L-R) Kaitlyn Nickason, Arran Tara Elementary School; Lauren White, Ripley Huron Community School; Alex Stroeder, Mildmay-Carrick Public School; Maggie Boyes, Amabel-Sauble Community School; and Chelby Morris, Port Elgin-Saugeen Central School

On March 23 Northport Elementary School hosted the Bruce County Public Speaking Championship Finals. The top five junior and top five intermediate speakers from across Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) and Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) came to share their speeches with the Northport students as well as friends and family members.

Two trustees from the BWDSB, Dave Mason and Jan Johnstone, as well as Melissa Kahgee from BGCDSB came to judge the competition.

Bruce County Warden, Mitch Twolan was also in attendance to offer greetings from the event’s sponsor, Bruce County Council.

The students competing had previously won their school, then their district competitions.

The Junior Champion was Kaitlyn Nickason, from Arran Tara Elementary School, who spoke about the devastating effects of Dementia and Alzheimer's. The Intermediate Champion was Aubrey Urbshott, also from Arran Tara, who spoke about missing and murdered Aboriginal women and the importance of this crisis to all Canadians.

Photo: (L-R) Aubrey Urbshott, Arran Tara Elementary School; Claire McKey, Mother Teresa School, Walkerton; Samantha Castillo, St. Anthony's School, Kincardine; Taylor Ribey, Port Elgin-Saugeen Central School

Photo: (L-R) Junior Champion, Kaitlyn Nickason, from Arran Tara Elementary School; Intermediate Champion Aubrey Urbshott, also from Arran Tara Elementary School