The New Young Progressive Debaters (NYPD) held its first annual Prisca Ogolo Impromptu Speech Competition in partnership with the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School Literary and Debating Society (ALHCS LDS) and the family of Prisca Ogolo. The well-attended event took place at the Teachers Resource Centre (TRC) on Sunday January 10th, 2016, and featured 16 first and second form finalists vying for the top spot.
Prisca Ogolo was a student at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School, and a vibrant member of the NYPD, when she passed away at the tender age of 14 in September, 2014. She was an all-rounder, singer and mentor. She represented the Adrian T Hazell Primary School in quizzes, debates as well as other competitions; and was the winner of the Annual Primary School Spelling Bee. She graduated as the salutatorian of the Adrian T Hazzel Primary School. Delivering remarks on behalf of the family, Ms. Patricia Bygrave said: “Prisca strived for excellence all through her life, and so her parents decided to carry on her legacy by helping other children to attain excellence in their speech, and command of the English Language, through this competition. They would like to encourage more children in literacy and spoken word”. The Prisca Ogolo Children’s Aid was also recently established in England by her parents in her honor.
The participants selected from an array of topics as they approached the podium, then they gave one minute presentations. The topics included war, earthquakes, animals, food etc. Aaron Adams was named the winner of the competition. He presented on machines. Second place went to Tahjique Connor, who spoke about Anguilla; third place to Solomon Banister, cellphones; fourth place to Kyrlston Lewis, gangs; and fifth place went to Nandi Edwards who spoke about war.
The occasion was also used to highlight upcoming events by both the groups (the NYPD and the ALHCS LDS). Chairperson Mr. Colin Johnson thanked the audience for their support over the years and encouraged them to continue to support both the NYPD as well as the ALHCS LDS, as they are one family. The ALHCS Literary and Debating Society will be taking a team to neighbouring St. Maarten in February for the 44th annual Leeward Islands Debating Competition, in hopes of retaining the championship. The month of June will see the finals of the NYPD Debate Competition.
