Six students from Bermuda High School for Girls recently competed in an international public speaking competition overseas.

Held in Strathscona-Tweedsmuir school in Calgary, Canada, the competition saw delegations from Argentina, Cyprus, Scotland, England, the US, and Canada.

Open to independent schools only, students were assessed in a number of different debating styles and formats from the Parliamentary style to dramatic interpretation, interpretive reading and persuasive speaking.

Sixteen-year-olds Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch and Mia Finsnesswere teamed up with 14- year-old Christie Hunter to form team one, while 14-year-olds Azizza Ahad, Rebecca Faulkenberry and Sarah Taylor formed the second team from Bermuda High School for Girls.

Competitors were paired randomly, but scored individually. Christie placed sixth in the final interpretive reading event while Rebecca Faulkenberry placed 12th in the after dinner event and 20th in the dramatic interpretation.

Ruth O'Kelly-Lynch placed 16th in the impromptu speaking and 22nd in the persuasive speaking, bringing her team into 17th position out of 33.

Scores of the second team have not yet been released.

Debating coach Jacqui Riordan said the girls were pleased to participate in the event.

"The teams are most grateful for the support of the school in creating this opportunity for the third year in succession,'' she said. "After winning the National Middle School Debating trophy two years ago and the Senior trophy last year, we are eagerly preparing for this year's National competition on the 20th of November at the Bermuda College.''