A student from St. Joseph’s Academy has taken the top spot in this year’s Optimist Club of St. John’s Oratorical Contest, following a competition that brought together young speakers from across the island.

Xion Joseph emerged as the winner after delivering a speech on the theme, “The Moment I Realised I Belonged – My Definition of Community.” William Christian, also of St. Joseph’s Academy, placed second, while Kiara Kwenga of Christ the King High School secured third.

The event, held Saturday at the John E. St. Luce Conference Center, featured 10 contestants who reflected on belonging, identity and shared experiences.

Joseph will advance to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the district-level competition in Kingston, Jamaica, on April 11. Cash prizes were awarded to the top three finishers.

Other participants represented Pares Secondary School, Island Academy and Clarehall Secondary School.