Estela Joseph, a year 10 at Wallington High School for Girls, was crowned winner of the “Speak Out Challenge” regional final by Jack Petchey.
The end of regional Tok Place on Wallington High School for Girls on March 3, 2025.
More than 30,000 Year 10 of more than 500 state schools in London and Essex participate in the annual event.
The competition is organized by the main beneficial organization of discussion and communication of the United Kingdom, the speakers and financed and supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation.
The regional champion, Estela Joseph, impressed the judges with a powerful speech entitled “A revolt of almost.”
The central message of his speech was about celebrating and adopting diversity, recognizing that our differences make us beautiful, and collecting that representation is important to inspire future generations.
His eloquence and passion captured the attention of expert judges Vanessa McCain, Anita Maullin, Read, Helen Wieland, Andy Copps, Immanuel Gaskin and Mikołaj Radosz.
Estela will now be held to the online semifinals with another 37 regional champions, before the last 15 are selected for the grand final at the Cambridge Theater on July 7.
Estela said: “I feel proud. Approached. Excited.
“All who do the competition must believe in themselves and be themselves.”
The winner receives a £ 100 gift certificate and is now on the way to the grand final of the competition, held at the Cambridge Theater, Covent Garden.
The second place title was for Yusuf Niazi, which represents the Wilson school, with a speech entitled “Kids Like Me”.
The third place went to Charles Wood of the Wallington County Grammar School, with a speech to inspire hope and action in the fight against dementia, urging the audience to appreciate life, support Alzheimer’s society and prevent wasted potential.
In the Grand Final, Estela could be competing not only for the honor of becoming this year’s great Jack Petchey champion “Speak out challenge”, but also for the opportunity to win £ 5,000 (a scholarship of £ 2,000 for her and £ 3000 for her school).
