Thirteen girls from five local schools competed speaking on a range of topics which were:
The ocean is essential to life on earth; NI is the most dangerous place to live in the UK for women and girls. How can communities change this?; How does race, class and gender affect the likelihood of imprisonment and how can this be changed?; Social expectations still force women in NI to choose between a career and a family; The World Health Organisation (WHO) strategy is to eradicate cervical cancer by 2030 – is it achievable? and Social Media platforms are driving intolerance and misogyny.
The adjudicators for the evening – Alison Steen, Principal Drumrane Primary School, Alex Tannahill, Principal Garryduff Primary School and Jillian Pratchett, Regional President Soroptimists – had a difficult job selecting a top three.
The winner was Aleah Booth from Ballymoney High School with Dalriada School’s Gracie McKeever taking second place and Sarah Kane of Rainey Endowed in Magherafelt taking third position.
Aleah will now represent Ballymoney & District at the Northern Ireland Final which will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in Royal Hillsborough Village Centre.
5. EDUCATION
Ballymoney High School participant Aleah Booth with teachers Ronda McIlrath and Anita Setterfield. Photo: BALLYMONEY SOROPTIMISTS
6. EDUCATION
Timekeepers at the Soroptimists International Northern Ireland 43rd Annual Public Speaking Competition Helen Patterson and Barbara Kerr. Photo: BALLYMONEY SOROPTIMISTS
7. EDUCATION
Adjudicators at the Soroptimists International Northern Ireland 43rd Annual Public Speaking Competition (from left) Alison Steen, Principal Drumrane PS, Jillian Pratchett, Regional President Soroptimist and Alex Tannahill, Principal Garryduff PS. Photo: BALLYMONEY SOROPTIMISTS
8. EDUCATION
The top three contestants in the Ballymoney & District leg of the Soroptimists International Northern Ireland 43rd Annual Public Speaking Competition: Winner Aleah Booth from Ballymoney High School (centre) with second placed Gracie McKeever from Dalriada School (right) and third placed Sarah Kane from Rainey Endowed School (second left). Also pictured are (from left) Jillian Pratchett, Regional President Soroptimist; Elizabeth McFetridge, Public Speaking Convenor, Ballymoney & District branch Soroptimist International; and Fiona Murdock, President, Ballymoney & District branch Soroptimist International. Photo: BALLYMONEY SOROPTIMISTS