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IN THE countdown to the Anzac Day centenary, local students have reflected on its significance to today’s generations.
Tamworth High School hosted the event for students from 10 schools across Tamworth, Kootingal, Woolomin and Nemingha.
It featured debating, poetry and prose and public speaking.
Co-ordinator Casey Deaves said the debating topics revolved around whether Anzac Day had lost its meaning and whether the Anzac spirit had diminished, while public speaking students reflected on local heroes, local Anzacs and the home front with a New England focus.
The day concluded with war-specific prose and poetry reading.
“A lot of them said they had learned more about the Anzac spirit,” Ms Deaves said, with members of Legacy and the RSL also addressing students.
Ms Deaves said a lot of the students already participated in Anzac Day marches and dawn services.
“I would love for the younger generation to continue that, so we can ensure the Anzac spirit doesn’t die,” she said.
“With the talent that we saw today, it would be wonderful for these students to continue down the path of public speaking and debating and continuing to refine those skills.”
The last debating and public speaking day was held in 2012, and Ms Deaves is keen to resume it annually.
“It would be wonderful if we could ... encompass all schools in the region,” she said.
“Aside from school, I do believe public speaking is a valuable skill for all aspects of life, including job interviews and being able to present themselves in a certain manner.”