JFS student shines at prestigious public speaking competition

A JFS pupil has said he was “immensely proud” to represent the Jewish community after clinching third place in one of the country’s most prominent youth public speaking competitions.

Evan Hartog, 14, wowed the judges with what was described as a “captivating” speech at the Brent Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge on Tuesday evening.

And the Year 10 pupil made sure to wear the classic blue school uniform and don a kippa as he delivered a monologue about his love for snowglobes.

“I wanted to spread some light and honour during what has been a difficult period for us since the devastating October 7th attacks in Israel,” Hartog told Jewish News.

The Speak Out Challenge is the largest public speaking programme in England, managed and delivered by the Speakers Trust, the UK’s leading public speaking organisation.

Over 700 teenagers from around the borough entered the event, with 16 performing in the final at Claremont School in Kenton.

While many of his fellow competitors addressed more serious subjects such as racism and identity, Hartog chose to lighten the mood with a humourous yet passionate take on his ever-growing collection of snowglobes.

The Radlett teenager has amassed more than 50 from around the world and runs a YouTube channel showcasing in-depth reviews of the souvenirs.

A spokesperson for the Jack Petchey Foundation said Hartog’s address “was a testament to his eloquence and confidence, qualities that the Speak Out Challenge aims to foster in young people,

“His achievement is a shining example of the potential that lies within our students when they are given the opportunity to express themselves and the tools to do so effectively.”

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