RHU proudly hosted and organized the final round of the RHU National Schools Public Speaking Competition on Saturday, January 31, at the Main Theatre on campus, honoring outstanding student speakers and awarding RHU scholarships to the top winners. The competition was organized by the Languages and Liberal Arts Unit within the College of Arts and Sciences, represented by Dr. Najwa Fares, in collaboration with PEAC and Toastmasters Lebanon.
RHU President Professor Said Ladki congratulated all participants and winners, praising their talent and dedication. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, youth leadership, and developing strong communication skills among students.
The final round featured twenty exceptional student speakers who advanced from earlier competition stages. Participants showed impressive confidence, clarity, and depth of thought, emphasizing the vital role of effective public speaking in leadership and academic development.
The winners of the competition were first place: Marwa Zeineddine; second place: Anabella Alouan; third place: Nagham Saleh; and the best speaker from public schools: Abdul Nasser Hazzouri.
The competition was judged by a distinguished panel including Ms. Zahraa Cheaito, Ms. Dania Zahra, Ms. Carole Maroun, Dr. Dania Al Assadi, Dr. Wijdan Kabalan, Dr. Grasiella Harb, and Ms. Mona Shaheen, led by Chief Judge Mr. Ezzeddine Danash.
All finalists received medals and certificates, while the top three winners were awarded RHU scholarships covering 50%, 30%, and 25% of tuition fees, respectively. In recognition of their valued partnership and contribution to the competition's success, RHU also presented plaques to Toastmasters Lebanon and PEAC.
Through initiatives like this competition, RHU continues to promote academic excellence, develop public speaking skills, and build meaningful partnerships with educational and professional communities.
