At the fifth Annual Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation speech competition finals on Sunday, November 15, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Jerome K. Fitzgerald told the fourteen finalists that being a great orator takes great skill but most importantly, it requires an individual to possess self-confidence.

"Your desire to participate in this 5th Annual Parkinson Foundation competition is a testament of not only your ability and intelligence, but moreover of your confidence in your ability."

Citing the facts, Fitzgerald highlighted the role of confidence in a student's academic success. "Research indicates that self-confidence is critical to the academic success of a student. Whether you realize it or not, those of you who entered this competition are poised with one of the traits necessary to achieve success. You have confidence and confident people tend to do well and accomplish great things."

Fitzgerald lauded the Kingdor National Parkinson Foundation for providing the students with a platform to not only learn more about Parkinson's disease, but also to participate in a competition that has multiple benefits for students. More than 100 applicants were received, however, only 14 finalists were chosen - seven from each division. The juniors and seniors explored the themes "Blazing towards a cure for Parkinson's disease" and "Eradicating the fears and live your best life with Parkinson's disease" respectively.

S.C. McPherson Junior High School had the most finalists from a public school, with three of the seven in the junior category representing that school. Kiante Stuart, a student from S.C. McPherson, emerged as the overall winner of the junior division. Likewise, Queen's College had the most finalists from a private school; two in the junior division and three in the senior division. Queen's College took second and third place in both divisions and Geonelle Ifill of St. Andrew's School won the senior division.

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