Newstead College year 11 student Emma Nicholas spoke about how she, as a young girl, is perceived by her male peers, in the impromptu section of the Tasmanian Rostrum Championships.

Her speech, which she only had 15 minutes to prepare, got to the heart of a matter that is experiencing a groundswell of support, in light of the death of young comedian Eurydice Dixon.

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The state rostrum championships were held at Scotch Oakburn College on June 16.

Newstead College teacher Tanya Wilson said Miss Nicholas had worked really hard through the year.

“What really impacted the judges was her impromptu speech...it really hit a nerve in the current climate,” she said.

Ms Wilson said she was really proud of her student’s success.

“Emma had to compete against year 11 and 12s so to get this far in the competition is fantastic.”

She said she hoped Miss Nicholas would continue with rostrum and debating next year.

About 12 Tasmanians from across the state, from both years 11 and 12, competed in the competition.

Miss Nicholas was one of two Northern Tasmanians to achieve success at the state final, with Esther Godfrey, of Riverside High School, also awarded second place.

New Town High’s Charlie Pilkington and Madeleine Webster, of the Friends School, were the winners.

They will represent Tasmania in the Voice of Youth national final to be held in Perth, WA this year.