Climate change speech carries James to victory in ‘Inspire Like Churchill’ competition
A Tonbridge Lower Sixth student succeeded in invoking the spirit of Britain’s greatest wartime leader in a competition held by the International Churchill Society.
James Tam (MH4) was selected as one of three winners of the Inspire Like Churchill competition, which set students from around the world the challenge of recording a stirring speech of determination and hope in response to current global challenges.
Entries, consisting of a one-minute video, were judged by a panel which featured Emma Soames, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, and renowned historians and writers including Candice Millard, author of the award-winning Hero of the Empire, which details Churchill’s Boer War experiences.
The competition marked the 82nd anniversary of Churchill’s famous “Blood, sweat, toil and tears” speech, delivered to Parliament during Britain’s darkest days in the Second World War.
James chose climate change as his theme. He said: “This is the defining issue of our times but there is, unfortunately, still a lack of awareness and of concrete action from international leaders. Sir Winston Churchill was able to unite the country through his speeches, urging everyone to put their differences aside to fight for a common cause.
“I believe the same kind of unity is necessary if we want to find a coordinated and effective solution to the climate crisis, and I was therefore determined to make my mark on the Inspire Like Churchill competition.”
Entrants, ranging from ages 11 to 21, were encouraged to develop their public speaking and speech writing skills, as well as to use their knowledge of history when tackling contemporary issues.
James added: “Making the short video required a good understanding of Churchill as a wartime leader and the way he grasped the power of language. I had to be extremely concise in my choice of words due to the limited time available. My conclusion was that change can be created today through examining history and learning from past leaders.”
James has also participated in other History enrichment activities at Tonbridge. He is the School’s representative for the upcoming Historical Association Great Debate in January, and wrote questions for the Novi History House Quiz this term.
The International Churchill Society awarded winners a cash prize, split equally between the student and their school, college or university.
International Churchill Society Chairman Laurence Geller CBE said: “The Society’s mission is to educate current and future generations on Churchill and his times. This competition was designed to reach a younger audience and ask them to inspire the world during these troubling times, using Churchill’s example.”
James is pictured in the School Library with Noah Hillyard, Tonbridge’s Head of History.
