A memorial trophy dedicated to an Orange teacher who was committed to helping students succeed in public speaking and debate was presented at the annual Mayor’s Cup Debating Competition on Thursday.
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Kinross Wolaroi School student Ailish Seedsman was the first recipient of the Kerri Parkes Memorial Debating Trophy, which was presented by Mrs Parkes’ husband David Parkes and mother Daphne Barden.
The trophy for the most outstanding debating student was dedicated to former Bletchington Public School teacher Kerri Parkes, who was tragically killed in a car crash last year.
Mr Parkes said the trophy was an acknowledgment of his wife’s contribution to debate and public speaking.
Debate adjudicator Ian Jones announced Ailish as the winner and said he worked on and off with Mrs Parkes for 20 years.
“No person has done more for debating,” Mr Jones said.
“She was a wonderful, wonderful person and a great teacher.”
Trophy recipient Ailish Seedsman was part of Kinross Wolaroi School’s winning debate team who successfully argued that a quota-rule should not be introduced at council elections to ensure more women, young people and people from ethnically diverse backgrounds are elected.
It was the first time the school has won the mayors debate since 2007.
It was also the first time Kinross’ finals challenger Orange Christian School, who took the affirmative side in the debate, has taken part in the school debate challenge.
The annual competition is held during Local Government Week and is contested by four Orange high schools, with Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Orange High School also competing on Thursday.
Semi-final topics were, The Orange population should be capped at 40,000, and The voting age should be lowered to 16.