Katamatite's Fletcher Davies wins district public speaking competition

Katamatite Primary School student Fletcher Davies has been crowned the best Year 3-4 public speaker in the district after winning the Lions Club public speaking competition in Tongala on Sunday. Fletcher, who is in Year 3, took out three stages to get to the district final where he went up against, and bettered, some well-prepared opponents. Lions Club Zone 6, which includes Katamatite Lions Club, chair Julie Ballard was thrilled for the tiny town to have someone win the competition. ‘‘It was a fantastic weekend and we are overwhelmed and absolutely delighted to have Fletcher win,’’ she said. ‘‘He went up against some stiff competition, it was very competitive and he performed well. ‘‘I want to also thank Arthur Jeffrey, who has put in a lot of work to organise the competition with Katamatite Primary School over the last three or four years, it’s the first time the school has had a winner at this level that we are aware of.’’ Lions Club District 201V6 chairperson Margaret Poels said she was extremely impressed with the level of speakers, especially in Fletcher’s age group and appreciated the turnout from friends, family and teachers. ‘‘I wouldn’t want to be a judge in the Year 3 and 4 age group because every year the keep improving,’’ she said. ‘‘Fletcher was one of the youngest speakers and he did very well against older students in the group. ‘‘I am quite happy with how the day went, we had about 80 people come and listen and support the students.’’ While the competition stops at the regional stage, Mrs Poels was hopeful of opening up further public speaking opportunities for local students in the years ahead.