Meet Grand Finalist, Maria Gromlyuk

We are delighted to share that this has been the biggest year ever for Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge. Up to 35,000 students have been trained in over 500 schools across all of London and Essex.

Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge provides year 10 students in state schools across London and Essex with public speaking and communication training to increase their confidence, sense of agency and drive to make a difference in society.

During the academic year, over 500 schools have received a free one-day public speaking workshops for their students. The student’s confidence in speaking to an audience, without notes, is measured at the beginning and at the end of the day. During 2023-2024, 74% of students have increased their confidence to stand up and talk to a group of people. At the end of the day, every school nominates one student to go on to a Regional or Digital Final, where they compete again other school finalists and their speeches are judged based on content delivery, structure and positive impact by a panel of esteemed judges. After going on to win the semi-finals, our 15 inspirational, articulate, and impressive speakers are now ready to present their speech to you!

We will celebrate the achievements of these awe-inspiring young people in the heart of London’s West End at Cambridge Theatre on Monday 8th July and crown the 2024 Speak Out Champion!

In no particular order, meet 2024 Grand Finalist Maria Gromlyk! 

Their speech ‘Life is like a Piano’ earned them and their school, Woodbridge High School, first place in the Redbridge Regional Final. 

We asked Maria, what three items or people would you choose to take to a desert island and why? 

My film camera to take photos for memories, my ukelele to play music and my twin sister to have someone to laugh at each other’s jokes.

What is your favourite saying or quote?

Carpe diem- I first came across this phrase in an english lesson and thought it served as a beautiful reminder to live life to the fullest.

If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Ham and jam sandwiches because it combines the best of both worlds.

What three tips would you give to a Year 7 student? 

1) Listen more than you speak (ironic, considering this is a speaking competition)

2)Focus on what you learn from each experience rather than the end point

3)Start each day with a smile

Why did you choose to speak about this subject? 

Often we neglect to appreciate the valuable lessons that hardships offer us, which is why I chose this subject to share my perspective on how our characters and understanding of life are influenced by our challenges. Both to inspire resilience in the face of adversity and gratitude for the good things in life.

Why do you think it’s important for young people like you to share their stories?

I believe it is important for young people to use their voice to share their stories because they have their unique perspectives and valuable experience that the world can learn from. Powerful stories connect people and by bravely speaking out, young people can transform the world into a community where every voice can be heard.

Best of luck Maria and see you at the Grand Final on July 8th!