Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Mar 24/00) - The theory that children should be seen and not heard was not in evidence during a recent evening at the Sir Alexander Mackenzie school.

In an effort to get kids researching, thinking and being comfortable speaking in public, principal Bernie MacLean and teacher Aileen Connor organized public-speaking practise sessions for students, which culminated in a second-annual championship speak-off.

Nine students, from grades 4-6, spoke for about two minutes on a range of environmental topics. Parks Canada representative Ian MacDonald, vice-principal Geoff Buerger and teacher Elaine Martin acted as judges. Parks Canada sponsored the event.

"I'm so pleased with the level of SAMS' extracurricular activities this year," said MacLean, "and the kids get rewarded for their participation. Parks Canada is throwing them a pizza-party lunch and the first-place winners will get $30 to spend at our next book fair and there'll be $20 for second place."

Kenzie MacDonald led off the Grade 5s and told the congregation of kids, teachers and parents a little bit about global warming. Smiling and clearly relieved when it was all over, he said the topic was a natural choice.

"It just came into my head," he said, "and I went to a meeting and came up with the speech -- and got some help from my dad."

"He practised really hard," confirmed dad Len MacDonald.

Leonora DeBastien talked about the endangered Bengal tiger, Kate Snow talked about climate change around Sachs Harbour and Ashlyn Krutko discussed the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline project. Kendra Sittichinli talked about pollution and its potential negative effect on tourism while Nicole Lindsay's environmental presentation consisted of a poem, which included the lines, "It's important to me. Go outside and see."

Some of the young orators found it easier than others to face the audience, although all were happy when they'd finished.

Although she nearly dropped her cue cards when she began speaking, Grade 6 student Crystal Norris barely needed to refer to them as she discussed environmental pollution.

Grade 5 student Jessica Davis said she was a little nervous talking about trees, but added that having family friend Krina sitting in front of her helped put her at ease.

"And a lot of practising," she added.

After the judges had deliberated for several minutes, MacDonald stood up to announce the winners and address the kids.

"I know public speaking can be difficult to do, but it's also very useful," he said, smiling. "You never know, for example, when you're going to find yourself on a panel and have to give out prizes."

In the end, Tanya Snowshoe and Ashlyn Krutko were awarded first and second place for the Grade 4 students. Kenzie MacDonald took first and Kate Snow took second for the Grade 5s, while Grade 6 students Crystal Norris and Leonora DeBastien finished first and second.