As winner of the Anzac Youth Speech Competition, Will Dickson from Glendowie College will be delivering his speech at St Heliers Anzac service on 25 April 2024.
The competition, run by Ōrākei Local Board, invites students from secondary schools in the area to participate each year.
Board members, students and their whānau came together at St Heliers Library in early April for contenders to present their speech to board members as part of the selection process.
“A big thank you to the students who made the time and effort to research, write and deliver your speeches to us,” says local board chair, Scott Milne.
“It was difficult to choose a winner, but after much deliberation we’re thrilled that Will can share his speech with the wider community.”
Will saw last year’s winner, also from Glendowie College, present at school and was inspired by that.
He also found hearing the story of his great, great grandfather very moving and eye opening, giving him more motivation to enter.
“I thought it was a really good opportunity,” says Will.
“I’m looking forward to being a part of the service, and listening to other people as well.”
Interested in a career in architecture, he’s unlikely to be presenting speeches to large audiences on a regular basis. However the board was impressed, and gave positive and constructive feedback.
“I appreciated their insightful feedback. Some good advice I received was to slow down when speaking about something very emotional or impactful and to remember the weight of your words. I will make sure to keep it in mind on the day.”
Runner-up Ruby Saunders from Baradene College will also be included in the St Heliers service, reading letters sent home from war.
St Heliers Anzac Parade and Service will assemble at Vellenoweth Green at 9:30am and make its way to St Heliers War Memorial on Tamaki Drive for the service to commence at 10am.
Stay up to date
Sign up for the Ōrākei Local Board e-newsletter and get the monthly update straight to your inbox, or follow us on Facebook.
