The 29th iteration of the JCI Nilom National Speech Contest (NSC) wrapped up over the weekend with a decisive win for Chayah Lauwerends, a VWO-4 student, who earned the prestigious title of Best Speaking Student at the VOS level. Held at the city’s Congress Hall, the annual competition brought together eight promising young speakers from four top secondary institutions: AMS, VWO-4, Edward P. Meyer Lyceum, and Mr. Dr. J.C. de Miranda Lyceum.
In the weeks leading up to the final event, all contestants received intensive, hands-on training in public speaking and presentation techniques as part of JCI Nilom’s community-focused “Speak Up” initiative, designed to build youth communication confidence. After preliminary rounds, five participants advanced to the final showcase held Saturday, where Lauwerends stood out from the field with the most persuasive and compelling presentation. Joining her on the winner’s podium were Chayenne Etnel from Algemene Middelbare School, who secured second place, and Jayden Post, also a VWO-4 student, who finished third.
Alain Heave, president of JCI Nilom, emphasized the far-reaching value of the contest beyond a simple competitive event. In his remarks after the final, Heave noted that the competitors had demonstrated that young people not only have meaningful ideas to share, but also the courage to communicate those ideas powerfully and clearly. “It is critically important that young people learn to convey their thoughts both clearly and respectfully,” Heave explained. “This contest is far more than a competition; it is an investment in our youth, and ultimately an investment in the future development of our nation.”
With Lauwerends’ victory, VWO-4 claimed the coveted rotating Francis Small Trophy, taking the honor from last year’s winning institution, Havo-3. The award was personally presented to the new champion by Richenel Mac Donald, winner of the 28th edition of the National Speech Contest, marking a full passing of the torch to the next generation of skilled young communicators.