Moree Secondary College student Alyssa Duncan has progressed to the next level of the Rotary District 9650 public speaking competition, after winning the cluster final at Warialda earlier this month.
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The year 11 student, representing Moree Rotary Club, was one of four speakers at the cluster final, including fellow Moree Secondary College student Grace Carter, who represented Moree-on-Gwydir Rotary Club.
However it was Alyssa's well-delivered speech about passions which won over the judges.
"I was ecstatic," she said of the win.
"It was so cool.
"It was a shock - I didn't expect it at all. Initially I didn't feel confident; the speech fell quite short and was fairly rushed, but I think it was my delivery of it that got me through."
Meanwhile Grace came second in the competition, with her speech about technology and its impact on society. However only one person could progress through to the semi-finals.
"I'm happy with how I spoke - I did my best," Grace said.
"I'm not too worried [about not going further]. I know Alyssa has worked hard to improve since the first one."
Alyssa will now go on to compete at the District semi-finals, to be held in Walcha in February 2020.
"I'm really nervous for that," she said.