Saltus Students Excel In Public Speaking
Saltus Grammar School students earned top team honours at an international public speaking competition in Canada, with Jordan Williams named the top individual speaker.
A spokesperson said, “Saltus Grammar School students delivered an outstanding performance at the International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition [IISPSC], held at MacLachlan College in Oakville, Ontario, from Thursday, 15th October – Monday, 19th October.
“The IISPSC is one of the most respected international competitions of its kind. Each year, it brings together top student speakers from around the world to showcase their talents in communication, critical thinking, and leadership. The 2026 tournament welcomed approximately 150 participants from Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, and Bermuda. The competition also serves as a qualifier for the World Individual Public Speaking Competition in 2027 in China.
“Representing Bermuda with distinction, the Saltus team secured first overall team honours alongside Canada’s Crofton House School, earning seven finalist places across the competition’s events. Beyond their impressive results, the competition gave students valuable opportunities to develop their public-speaking skills, learn from their peers and build friendships with fellow competitors from around the world.
“This year’s Saltus team comprised Callie Lucas [SGY2], Christopher Madeiros [SGY2], Jordan Williams [Grade 11], Jules Dickinson [Grade 11] and Levi Masters [Grade 10].
“Leading the team’s success was Jordan Williams, who was named the tournament’s top individual speaker, winning the prestigious Selwyn House Trophy. Jordan placed in all three categories he competed in, demonstrating versatility and confidence across a range of public-speaking disciplines.
“Further success came when Callie Lucas, Chris Madeiros and Jordan Williams tied for first place to win the Ross Lambert Trophy for the second consecutive year. In recognition of their performances, all three students received invitations to participate in the Public Speaking Worlds event in China later this school year.
“Coach Aiden Young expressed his pride in the team’s achievements and the opportunity to support the students throughout the competition.”
“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this experience and to have supported these students as they prepared for and competed on the international stage. I was very impressed by their confidence, dedication and ability to think on their feet, particularly when faced with challenging and unfamiliar topics. Their results reflect the hard work they put in, but just as importantly, I saw them grow as speakers, support one another and build friendships with students from other schools. They should all be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
Bringing the Saltus Portrait of a Graduate to Life
The spokesperson said, “These student achievements are particularly meaningful because they reflect the Saltus Portrait of a Graduate in action. Through the school’s public-speaking program, students develop the confidence and poise of Engaged and Skillful Communicators, learning to articulate ideas, listen to different perspectives and engage an audience.
“Competing across multiple categories, often requiring them to think on their feet, challenges students to become Critical and Adaptive Thinkers who can analyze information, construct arguments and respond thoughtfully under pressure. The preparation, practice and willingness to learn from each performance cultivate Resilient and Reflective Learners, while engaging with peers from schools around the world strengthens their understanding of what it means to be Responsible Global Citizens.
“Throughout the competition, the students also demonstrated what it means to be Grounded in Values, representing Saltus with integrity, courage, respect, and empathy.
“These student successes are a wonderful example of not just simply preparing students to compete successfully, but intentionally developing the skills, dispositions, and character that will serve them well beyond Saltus.
“Saltus students impressive results:
- Jordan Williams – 1st overall individual speaker
- Jordan Williams – 1st place, Impromptu Speaking
- Callie Lucas – 2nd place, Dramatic Speaking
- Jordan Williams – 3rd place, Parliamentary Debate
- Jordan Williams – 4th place, Persuasive Speaking
- Christopher Madeiros – 6th place, Extemporaneous Speaking
- Levi Masters – 11th place, Interpretive Speaking; finalist in Interpretive Speaking in his first year competing at IISPSC
“Saltus also recognizes the dedication of its English Language Arts Department, whose commitment over the past several years has been instrumental in strengthening and growing the public-speaking program. Special congratulations and heartfelt thanks go to Mr. Aiden Young, the school’s public-speaking coach, whose mentorship and encouragement have played an important role in the students’ success. Achievements of this calibre reflect not only the talent and hard work of the students, but also the collective efforts of educators who create opportunities for them to discover their voices, build confidence and excel.
“Saltus Grammar School congratulates all team members on their accomplishments and thanks everyone who supported their preparation and participation. The school looks forward to seeing the students continue to develop their skills and represent Saltus on the international stage.”
