St Raphael’s Catholic School student Laura Bennett has been awarded runner up in the NSW Parliament’s Regional Roadshow Public Speaking Competition, held in Orange this week.

The competition brought together 14 students from schools across Orange and the wider Central West, each showcasing their skills, confidence and insights on important topics for the state’s future.

Organisers praised the event as a demonstration of the remarkable talent and leadership emerging from regional New South Wales.

The winner of the competition was Jonah Grimshaw from Condobolin High School, who impressed adjudicators with his speech on the theme “My Hope for NSW.”

Ms Bennett, representing St Raphael’s Catholic School in Cowra, delivered a powerful speech on the topic “You miss 100% of shots you don’t take.”

Her address encouraged young people to embrace opportunities, learn from failure and step forward with courage.

“My school was invited to nominate one student to compete in the Regional Roadshow Public Speaking Competition,” Ms Bennett said.

“Through my speech, I aimed to encourage my peers to take opportunities, grow from failures and use their voices to create change.”

She said she was humbled to place runner-up given the high quality of competitors.

“I was honoured to be awarded runner up, as there were many great speakers and the panel would have had a very tough time deciding the winner and runner up,” Ms Bennett said.

“I am also very grateful for the personal feedback I received from the Honourable Ben Franklin, MLC, President of the New South Wales Legislative Council.”

“I love public speaking and I am always looking to improve my skills.”

The speeches were judged by two senior members of parliament, the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council, and Mr Phil Donato MP, Member for Orange.

Both applauded the standard of presentations and the courage shown by students in speaking publicly on challenging topics.

With her passion for public speaking and leadership already clear, Ms Bennett says this is only the beginning.

“I hope to continue being involved in public speaking competitions and hearing what is important to other young people,” she said.