It was back to winning ways for Fiona Antoine as she swept away the competition in the first Rotary Club Public Speaking competition November 17.{{more}}

Antoine, a former Lion’s Club Public Speaking champion, won the title for the North Union Secondary School back in 2001. Prior to that she was also successful in the primary school edition.

Now she has entered her name in the history books as the first champ of the Rotary Club’s version.

Antoine, a second-year student at the Division of Teacher Education of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, said that it felt good to taste success once more.

She spoke on the topic “Male Underachievement in St Vincent and the Grenadines; Strategies for Improvement”, and took first place in this category, followed by first spot in the impromptu speech category.

Antoine told SEARCHLIGHT she almost decided to not participate in the event.

“I had lots of assignments left to complete, but I think it was well worth it,” she said.

“It’s a good feeling.”

She added that her love and passion for debating, public speaking and reading contributed to her success.

“Reading compliments the English language and helps you to be more articulate,” she told SEARCHLIGHT.

Other awardees of the night were Demion McTair of the Division of Arts Sciences and General Studies who took third and second places in the impromptu and prepared speech categories, respectively.

Jahnell Ryan, of the same division walked away with the third position in the prepared category, and Travis James placed second in the impromptu.

Kirk DaSilva, president of the Rotary Club, noted that the competition included the four divisions making up the SVG Community College, including the Division of Nursing Education and the Division of Technical and Vocational Education.

He added that it was hoped that the event would be held annually.