As part of the final module for the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award, 22 students from Manor CE Academy York took part in a Public Speaking event held in The Hive last Friday night.

The students chose a number of charities to advocate on behalf of which included Cancer Research, NSPCC, The Besom, Mind UK and Women for Women International.  Local MP Hugh Bayley and Councillor Janet Looker (Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People at York City Council) attended the evening, as well as many local community members.

Following the presentations, Hugh Bayley said:

“Every one of these young people has something really interesting and important to say. They must use the leadership skills that they have learnt and their great powers of persuasion to make a difference to the world we live in”.

Over the past two years, the students have been involved in challenging tasks that focus on serving others, as part of the Award developed by the Archbishop of York Youth Trust. The students now have experience of running charity exhibitions, mentoring younger pupils in school, working in hospices in Romania and pitching Fairtrade ideas with Nestlé.

At the end of the presentations, the guests voted for their favourite speech supporting the NSPCC on the issue of child abuse. All the proceeds from the event were divided amongst the charities.  

Young Leader Student Xanthe Mitten said:

“I felt exhilarated afterwards at how well the presentations went, and was really pleased with how we all performed.  I’m just a bit sad now that we won’t be presenting as a group again”.

These students will now have two weeks to submit their final papers for the Award before being invited to Bishopthorpe Palace for their graduation.