The winners of the 2014 Public Speaking Contest were recognized at the March General Meeting of the Almonte Branch 240 Royal Canadian Legion. The public speaking contest took place on February 23, and all story-tellers and speakers were interesting, entertaining, and very brave! The contest was organized with thanks to volunteer judges Anne-Marie Morrison, Dorothy Robertson, Kate McDonough and Colleen Skjaveland, volunteer time-keeper Donna Lynch, and volunteer scorekeepers and scrutineers Robin Milks, Robin Webb and Doug Sutherland, Branch 240 Youth Education Chair Jane Torrance and Contest Convener Dave Cormier

Front row, left – right, Camryn Charles, Jack Lockhart, Shelby Crawford, Sean Ireland, Parker Deugo. Missing: Christina Reid.
We congratulate all speakers, including the following winners who accepted their certificates of award and cash prizes:
Primary
- Camryn Charles Naismith
- Jack Lockhart Naismith
- Lucy MacLaren Naismith
Junior
- Shelby Crawford Naismith
- Parker Deugo R. Tait McKenzie
- David Ireland Naismith
Intermediate
- Christina Reid Holy Name of Mary
First place winners advanced to Zone competition on March 1 at Branch 638 in Kanata. The first place winner in the junior category was not able to attend, but the second place speaker, Parker Deugo was available, and he placed first in his division!
Congratulations to all!