OUR WORLD CHAMPION: RUBY GRINBERG
04/27/2021OUR WORLD CHAMPION: RUBY GRINBERG
Embedded Files
On April 23-26th, head York School debate captain Ruby Grinberg competed in The World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship (WIDPSC), representing The York School and Canada in this annual international event.
The Championship is represented by a diverse mix of high schools from countries as far-reaching as Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, the United States, England, South Africa, Lithuania, Pakistan, Cyprus, Argentina, Botswana, Israel, India, South Korea, Zimbabwe and Germany.
This year the tournament was hosted by South Korea, with all events taking place online. Each participant must compete in four different events: Debate, Impromptu Speaking, Persuasive or After Dinner Speaking and Interpretive Reading. There were roughly 120 participants at this tournament, each student having to qualify through their respective countries prior to competing at this World tournament. Ruby qualified for this tournament after placing 3rd in Canada at the Senior National Public Speaking World Qualifiers earlier this year.
Ruby woke up at 4 am throughout the weekend, meeting new and friendly faces from across the globe from her computer screen, rigorously competing in her synchronous categories. After four years of hard work and days of competing, Ruby Grinberg was announced the 2021 world champion! This is the first time a York student has won this extremely prestigious award, and we are so incredibly proud of her determination, hard work and passion.
For prepared events, Ruby wrote her persuasive speech on the unethical practices of mass-farming coconuts, and the toll farming has on the surrounding environmental ecosystems as well as the farmers themselves. Ruby’s interpretive reading piece was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs by Roald Dahl, a rhyming tale in which Ruby used voices and impressions to bring the story to life. She also competed in impromptu events like impromptu speaking and debate, having limited prep time prior to delivering speeches for panels of judges.
In the words of debate coach and teacher Mr. Burkett, “this is a testament to all the hard work Ruby has put in over the years. As I'm sure she would tell you, becoming the best takes a great deal of effort, but if you're passionate, the effort is an enjoyable one. I've watched Ruby grow and improve at every tournament she's gone to over the years and couldn't be more proud of our fearless leader. What a way to conclude a remarkable high school career. I hope you are all inspired by her example. Ruby is leaving the future of our speech and debating programme in great hands...I'm just sorry she missed out on going to Korea!”
Ruby will be graduating from the York School in June, so though her time at York may be coming to a close, the significance of this title will not. Ruby says she would have loved to see South Korea but is so thankful for this incredible opportunity. She thanks Mr. Burkett for his coaching, guidance and mentorship throughout her years at York.
Ruby will receive her award in the mail to celebrate this momentous occasion, a customized gong engraved with her name and title as the 2021 World Public Speaking and Debate Grand Champion.
Congratulations, Ruby! The world champ!
Report abuse