A Richmond student won a national French speech competition earlier this year.
Erin Sweeney, a Grade 9 student at McMath secondary, was named the winner of the Junior French category at the 2025 National Persuasive Speech Competition, which took place online on Feb. 22.
The 15-year-old student shared with the Richmond News that she entered the competition to improve her public speaking skills.
"I noticed that they had entries for French as well, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to practice my bilingualism," said Sweeney.
She said her recent interest in public speaking stemmed from its importance in daily communications.
"(Public speaking) is important if you want to convey your ideas in a very effective way, and a way to demonstrate confidence and be the best version of yourself."
Sweeney's speech focused on the rising housing crisis in Canada, a topic she felt strongly about. The $250 prize money from the competition will be donated to PHS Community Services Society.
"This charity helps people in Vancouver who are in need by providing housing," she added.
When asked about her future public speaking goals, Sweeney said she has already signed up for another French competition later this week.
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