After months of competition, two students from Father F.X. O’Reilly Catholic School in Tottenham and St. James Catholic School in Colgan, have advanced to the high school level of competition in the Royal Canadian Legion’s public speaking contest.

Evan, a Grade 6 student from Father F.X. O’Reilly C.S., won in the Junior category with his speech, “My Grandpa, My Hero.” With great passion, he told the compelling story of his grandfather’s survival as a boy in Holland through World War II and his journey to Canada.

Grade 8 student Maddie from St. James C.S., has been excelling in the Intermediate category. In her speech about Canada, she outlines some significant historical events that have defined us as Canadian and touches on some of the humourous Canadian stereotypes. She has won the award for Best Overall Speaker at each level of competition.

Both students have placed first at the school, branch, zone and district levels of competition and will now compete at the area level. The competition is set to take place on Saturday, April 22 at the Royal Canadian Legion Barrie branch.