Contest: My First Stage Experience

Hello, @dove11, I appreciate you starting a new contest on @Hinewhale Community which is one of my favorite communities. I am sharing here not a fictional one but my own experience.

_{Design by using canva}

According to my remembrance, this happened during my school days when I was in grade 11. Our language teacher requested us to give a speech about our school, in front of the class. There were 30 students in my class, and since all of them were my friends, I didn't feel shy. I then addressed my friends about my school. The entire class clapped. I was the only one who addressed in front of the class.

_{Image Source}

In the meantime, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation organized an island-wide interschool speaking competition. My school had also been invited to take part in this tournament. Our language teacher had recommended my name to the principal in relation to this contest. Then the principal called and instructed me to prepare for this competition. And also advised my language teacher to prepare me for this competition. The topic was ‘Is mixed-school education suitable or not?’. I had to contest against a boy from Nalanda Central College. My suggestion was that mixed-school education is suitable, while the Nalanda Central College boy said it is not suitable. My teacher armed me with arguments.

_{Image source}

The competition day arrived. The competition was held at Minuvangoda Nalanda College. I dressed in my school uniform and went with my two school teachers. All the expenses were borne by the school. The hall was full of teachers and students of that school, and staff of the regional education office. There were not less than 1000 audience. I was on stage for the first time, yet I didn't feel nervous or tight at all. I wanted only to bring success to my school.

The time arrived. I presented my justifications for my suggestion. The Nalanda College student presented his logic to break my suggestion. The program was live telecast through the radio. There were five judges to give marks. The announcement of the winner was anticipated by the crowd. My heart was beating fast awaiting the result. It has been fifteen minutes already. The jury handed over the result to the organizers. The announcer went up to the microphone. My legs began to beat. My name was announced as the winner. The whole audience cheered and clapped. I was overjoyed and my teachers ran up to me and hug me. I wish my principal were there.

_{Image source}

The ceremony came to an end with the gifts given to us. I received a special award as the winner and the Nalanda College Boy received a participation award.

When I returned home, my entire family eagerly waited for me, because they had already heard the program via the radio. My neighbors were proud of me.

The following day my principal called me to the stage during the main assembly and praised my victory. That day, I was so proud. Later, the school established a debate team and I was selected to lead it. Hereafter, with the support of my team, I was able to win tournaments and bring the school a great success.

_{Image source}

This is my first experience on the stage. If you feel it, kindly vote and comment on my post. I would like to invite @simonnwigwe, @m-fdo, @nadeesew, and @arshani to participate in this contest. The contest announcement here.

Thanks for reading.