Delivered by Speakers Trust and funded by the Jack Petchey Foundation, Daniel Emery, aged 15 from Sutton Grammar School for Boys scooped top prize in the Sutton Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! 2011-12, Held at Carshalton Boys Sports College on 14th March 2012.

Daniel won over the judges with his winning speech “The dangers of picking up a penny on the street”, fending of 16 young speakers from schools in Sutton area. Daniel won an iPod touch for coming first and a chance to go through to the Grand Final of the “Speak Out” Challenge! on July 2nd 2012.

Ten schools in Sutton took part in the Young Speakers competition, which involved over 350 year 10 students, who all received a full day of training in public speaking and effective communication. The strongest speakers from the participating schools went forward to the Regional final of 16 students who spoke out passionately about issues important to them.

Winner Daniel said: “Feels amazing – I genuinely didn’t expect to win. All the other speakers were so strong – it was just brilliant!.”

Daniel’s Teacher, Peter Wroth said “What a fantastic night – and a well-deserved prize for Daniel. He’s worked so hard.”

The judging panel at the event included: Cllr Gerry Jerome, The Worshipful Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton, Josie Emberton, Head of Live! UnLtd, the world’s largest programme for young social entrepreneurs, Cllr Kirsty Jerome, Executive Member for Education & Schools, Sutton Council, Aaron Watson, Borough Commander, Sutton Fire Brigade, Peter Ptashko, Chair of trustees, Young Achievers’ Trust and Cllr Wendy Mathys, Chair, Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee, Sutton Council.

Cllr Jerome, The Worshipful Mayor of the London Borough of Sutton, who presented the prizes, said: “I am astonished how they managed to do it in such a short time – and without notes! I found it hard! The standard of the speeches was incredibly high.”

Second place went to Connor Buchanan, aged 14 from Cheam High School with his speech on “Facing your fear” and third place to Belky Wara, also 14 from Carshalton High School for Girls with her speech titled “Cup of tea”.

Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out” Challenge! is the biggest public speaking event of its kind in the world. Now in its seventh year, over 20,000 year 10 students are expected to compete for over £15,000 worth of prizes in this year’s final. For further details visit www.speakoutchallenge.com Ends.

Notes to editors About Speakers Trust Speakers Trust is the UK’s leading public speaking training charity which exists to help train and empower people who work for or receive support from the not-for-profit sector (which includes, schools, community groups, charities, colleges and the public sector) to live in a society where everybody has the skills, confidence and expertise to speak in public. For further details please visit www.speakerstrust.org About the Jack Petchey Foundation The Jack Petchey Foundation, established in 1999, gives grants to programmes and projects that benefit young people aged 11-25. Since it was established The Foundation has donated over £65 million to a wide range of organisations and schools within London and Essex. The Foundation is eager to help young people take advantage of opportunities and play a full part in society. For further details visit the website www.jackpetcheyfoundation.org.uk Press Enquiries: For further information please contact: Jordan Hay, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications on 020 7922 7902 or email: jordan.hay@speakerstrust.org Out of hours please contact 07714137651 Based on information supplied by Jordan Hay.