IISPSC Public Speaking Tournament Results
The International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition, co-hosted by The Bermuda High School and Saltus Grammar School, wrapped up on October 20th, featuring 99 international students and 13 local competitors showcasing their skills in a series of speaking events.
A spokesperson said, “The International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition [IISPSC], co-hosted by The Bermuda High School [BHS] and Saltus Grammar School, came to a close on Sunday, 20th October.
“A total of 99 international students from the USA, Canada, and India and 13 students from Bermuda competed at the BHS campus on Thursday and Friday and at the Saltus campus on Saturday and Sunday.
Christianna Dakin, Co-convenor and Saltus Coach; Stefanie Sinclair, Warwick Coach; Vikashni Raghunathan and Varshini Srinivasan [Warwick Academy]; Zahrah Siddiqi [Somersfield], Christopher Madeiros, Jordan Williams, Tera Hassen, and Marley Tear [Saltus]; Gabby Smith, Hannah Taylor, and Helena Thomas [BHS], and Co-Convenor and BHS Coach, Jennifer Burland Adams. Not pictured: Callie Lucas and Tse Burgess [Saltus] and Jake Jackson [Warwick Academy]
“Students competed in two rounds of three events each, followed by a day of finals for those who had advanced. The Competition culminated in an Awards Dinner on Sunday night at the Grotto Bay Beach Resort where the top speakers were recognised by tournament co-convenors Jennifer Burland Adams and Christianna Dakin.”
“We couldn’t be prouder of all the students who took part in the tournament,” said Saltus coach and convenor Christianna Dakin. “The experience they gained, along with the chance to connect with peers from around the world, share new ideas, and push their boundaries, is invaluable. This was an incredible experience for the Saltus Public Speaking & Debate Team who have been a joy to coach and I look forward to watching their growth over the next year.
“This event was years in the making, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our many student and community volunteers, who helped with everything from the event set-up and organisation to judging and timekeeping. We are also deeply grateful to our presenting sponsors, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and The English-Speaking Union, as well as our supporting sponsors Goslings, Butterfield & Vallis, the Saltus Association, and HSBC.”
Jennifer Burland Adams, Hannah Taylor, Gabby Smith, and Helena Thomas from BHS
A spokesperson added, “Two local students, Hannah Taylor and Helena Thomas of BHS, qualified for the finals, which showcased the top 20% of competitors in each category. Hannah placed 4th overall in Dramatic Interpretation and Helena Thomas placed 2nd overall in the After Dinner Category, 3rd overall in the News Podcast category, and was named the top overseas speaker. The Bermuda High School Team, which included Gabby Smith and was coached by Jennifer Burland Adams, won the St. John’s Ravenscourt Shield as the top overseas school for the third year in a row.”
Coach and convenor, Jennifer Burland Adams, shared “I am so proud of my team for their hard work and dedication and even prouder that a small nation of 58,000 people was able to host this prestigious competition. The Bermuda High School and Saltus have sent teams to Canada, the US and Hong Kong in the past and we are grateful that we could welcome so many teams to our beautiful island.”
A spokesperson added, “The IISPSC 2025 Tournament will be hosted by the Waynflete School in Portland, Maine from 16-20th, October 2025.”
IISPSC 2024 Winners:
- Impromptu Speaking: Emily Zhang of The Winsor School
- Extemporaneous Speaking: Jack Brown of The Country Day School
- Parliamentary Debate: Eddie Huffard of Deerfield Academy
- Dramatic Interpretation: Jack Harrington of Armbrae Academy
- Cross-Examination: Billy Tang and Avery Zachowich of Deerfield Academy
- Persuasive Speaking: Emma Tian of the University of Toronto Schools
- News Podcast: Thiren Sockanathan of Strathcona Tweedsmuir
- After Dinner: Theodora Zarrow of The Winsor School
- First Place – The St. John’s Kilmarnock Trophy for the top USA School Team: The Winsor School
- First Place – Winner of CSDF Trophy for the top Canadian School Team: Branksome Hall School
- First Place – St. John’s-Ravenscourt Shield for the Top Overseas Team: The Bermuda High School [3rd year in a row]
- Ross Lambert Trophy – Top Team Overall: The Winsor School
- Overall Speaker – 3rd Place: Isaiah Stephens, The Hotchkiss School
- Overall Speaker – 2nd Place: Jack Harrington, Armbrae Academy
- Overall Speaker – 1st Place: Vanessa Chen, Crofton House School
