Tom Cadwallader, from King Charles I High School in Kidderminster, won the Soroptimist International Midland Arden Regional 10th Public Speaking Competition held on Saturday 24 March, beating 14 other contestants from Midlands Schools. Speaking on the topic ‘ Do We Have a Fair Taxation System’, his subject content, quality of argument and delivery, all impressed this year’s three judges. He takes home £150 in prize money with a trophy to be displayed at King Charles I School for a year. Tom is the third student from King Charles I High School to have won the competition in its 10 year history.

The competition is open to students aged 14-18 years who are sponsored by other Soroptimist Clubs in a wide area of the Midlands, from as far apart as Stratford upon Avon, Rugby, Birmingham and Kidderminster.

Kidderminster’s Joint President, Stephanie Ainsley said ‘We are extremely pleased to congratulate Tom and King Charles I High School and obviously very delighted that he won. He was an excellent candidate and had strong competition from the other participants. It is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the public speaking skills of our local young people.’ For more information about the activities of Kidderminster Soroptimists email on kidderminstersorop@gmail.com or look at our website link on www.sigbi.org Photograph by Seven Star Photography