Vernon secondary school student Bianca Coad was among 45 B.C. students who took part in the annual Barry Sullivan Cup Public Speaking Contest in Vancouver April 8.

Now in its 20th year, the contest is an annual event among B.C. high schools. The contest is traditionally held around the period of the Canadian Bar Association's annual hosting of Law Day, which celebrates the signing of the Canadian constitution.

This year, the contest drew a record 45 Grades 10-12 participants from all over the province. Each had to deliver a five-minute speech that pertained to this year's theme "Legal Representation: A Right or a Privilege?"

The final competition was judged by The Honourable Mr. Justice Mark McEwan of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, The Honourable Chief Judge Thomas Crabtree of the Provincial Court of British Columbia, UBC Law Professor Elizabeth Edinger and Vancouver Sun columnist Peter McKnight.

Law Day is a national event to celebrate the signing of Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Originated by the Canadian Bar Association, Law Day provides an opportunity for the profession to educate the public about the role that lawyers and the judiciary serve in guaranteeing an open, independent and unbiased judicial system. Law Day events are made possible through the efforts of hundreds of lawyers who donate thousands of hours of volunteer time across Canada.

© 2010 Vernon Morning Star
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Page: 0B10
Section: Lifestyles