Close win for John Paul College at the Chanel Shield

Students from John Paul College won the annual inter-school Catholic Cultural Competition, the Chanel Shield. Photo/Supplied

Students from John Paul College were surprised and delighted to win the annual inter-school Catholic Cultural Competition, the Chanel Shield, by one point.

The team of 15 students competed in a variety of speeches, Bible reading, drama and debating, at Aquinas College, Tauranga, last month. The competition concluded with a quiz based on the gospel of Matthew.

Lucy Pepper, 17, said they were surprised to win and it took a while for it to sink in - "it was great".

"It was fine - not too stressful because you are all doing it together and it's fun."

Highlights included meeting new people and the Bible quiz at the end, she said.

She attributed the team's success to the teachers and added she would definitely recommend other students take part in the competition.

"It's good fun and a cool experience."

Winners were spread evenly among the five competing schools.

For John Paul College, particular congratulations went to Gus (Senior Bible Reading), Matthew (Junior Poetry) and Lucy (Senior Poetry) who all came first in their events.

Acknowledgements were also made to Olivia (Impromptu Speech), Orla (Junior Speech) and the drama team, consisting of Elsie, Gus, Olivia, Ashleigh, Ruby and Georgia, who all gained second place.