The Frank Anthony Memorial...
“Scared is what you are feeling. Bravery is what you are doing.”
The mere perception of public speaking against numerous schools around the world shakes the very soul inside our body. To overcome that fear, to let the hope instilled in us overrule the anxiety we conceal, is what the students of our school had performed that day. Our school, Loreto Day School Bowbazar, took part in an important competition. The 18th of August 2023 was an extremely memorable day for the students as they gained significant lesson from the event: The Frank Anthony Memorials All-India Inter School Debate Competition, Stage 2. Sharp at 9am the students planted their feet to the grounds of La Martiniere For Girls, where the event was going to be held. The hospitality of the people in that school easened the anxiety for a moment. The students were led to the library of the school, climbing through wooden stairs and an air of thrill, which seemed to follow ever since they had stepped there.
The students arrived at the library and completed the registration procedure. There were 14 schools in all, including ours. Recalling a few names; there was La Martiniere for Boys, St.Francis Xaviers, St.Stephens, Loreto Convent Asansol, St.James, etc.
The topic was announced at 10 am sharp and prior to that teachers were taken to the Main Hall where the event would take place. The topic for the competition was the following:
“Social media has affected human values”.
Simple and classy are the perfect words to describe the topic. The students brainstormed as they could. The students were given one hour to prepare. As the clock struck 11, the students were whisked away by the volunteers to the Main Hall, where the debate was supposed to be held. The students placed their bags on the table and quietly sat in their respective seats. Our team number was 12.
The event began. The rules were announced, so was the topic. The room held an air of enthusiasm. One by one, every team came up to give their speech. Some teams left us speechless. Sanjukta Nath, went up to speak for the motion and Kritika Joshi spoke against the motion.
After every team was done speaking, the results were announced. The anticipation we felt was ethereal. The awards for the best speakers were given out, three in total, and at last, the winning team was called.
The competition helped students to improve themselves and added a newfound lesson in the diaries of their hearts. It was truly an inspiring event.