Luna’s speech packs a punch to wow public speaking judges

A Wandsworth student is now just one step away from the grand final of the UK’s largest youth public speaking event due to take place in the West End next July.

Fifteen-year-old Luna Ripolles, from Graveney School in Welham Road, Tooting, was crowned winner of the regional final of Jack Petchey’s “Speak Out Challenge” which took place at Ashcroft Technology Academy in West Hill, Wandsworth. 

More than 30,000 Year 10 students at more than 500 state schools in London and Essex take part in the annual event, hosted by the UK’s leading public speaking and communication charity, Speakers Trust, and funded and supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation.

Luna was crowned regional champion for her powerful, charismatic speech titled “Great Heights” where Luna made reference to her height and embracing what makes us unique and powerful.

She now proceeds to the online semi-finals with 37 other regional champions, before the final 15 are selected for the grand final, taking place at the Cambridge Theatre.

Luna said: “It’s such an amazing experience. It gives you so much confidence. I just loved meeting everyone. It’s going to be so beneficial in the future. I loved it!”

Runner-up was Frances Young, representing Ashcroft Technology Academy, with a speech titled “How to own your embarrassment,” while third place went to Ella Olivia Power from Ark Bolingbroke School, Wakehurst Road, Battersea, with a speech titled “What it Means to be Female in the Animal Kingdom”.

At the grand final, Luna Ripolles could be competing not only for the honour of becoming this year’s champion, but also for the chance to win £5,000 – a £2,000 bursary for herself and £3,000 for the school.

Pictured top (from left): Frances Young, Luna Ripolles, Karen Boadu, Winner of the Challenge in 2007, and Olivia Power (Picture: Steven Pover)