Saltus Shines on the Global Stage at IISPSC 2025

Saltus Grammar School students delivered outstanding performances at the Independent International Schools Public Speaking Competition (IISPSC) 2025, hosted by Waynflete School in Portland, Maine from Thursday, 16th to Monday, 20th October. 

The IISPSC, is one of the most respected international competitions of its kind. Each year, it brings together top student speakers from around the world to showcase their talents in communication, critical thinking, and leadership. The 2025 tournament welcomed approximately 125 participants from Canada, the United States, India, Hong Kong, and Bermuda. The competition also serves as a qualifier for the World Individual Public Speaking Competition in 2026 in Bristol, UK.

This year, Saltus was proud to be recognized as the Top Overseas School, a testament to the team’s skill, preparation, and dedication. This year’s Saltus team: Tse Burgess (SGY2), Tera Hassen (SGY1), Callie Lucas (SGY1), Christopher Madeiros (SGY1), Marley Tear (SGY2), and Jordan Williams (Grade 10) represented Bermuda with distinction.

Several Saltus students also achieved impressive individual results:

Beyond the podium finishes, the Saltus team’s overall performance was exceptional, with several students advancing to multiple event finals:

This year’s success follows Saltus’ role as co-host (alongside BHS) of the 2024 IISPSC, held in Bermuda. Both Saltus and BHS competed at this year’s event in Maine, continuing Bermuda’s strong presence on the international public speaking stage. The continued excellence of Saltus students highlights the school’s commitment to fostering communication skills, confidence, and global-mindedness among its learners.

Head of School Julie Rousseau congratulated the students, saying: “We are incredibly proud of our team for representing Saltus and Bermuda with excellence and all qualifying for spots in the finals. Their tremendous accomplishments individually and as a team reflect their talent and hard work as well as their spirit of collaboration and respect that defines our school community.” 

Tera Hassen, winner in the Impromptu category shared, “It was an incredible experience. We’ve all grown so much as a team, and this competition was our chance to see all our hard work pay off.”

Jordan Williams, who won the top prize in the Persuasive category added, “Hard work makes excellence inevitable. Camaraderie makes excellence enjoyable. This competition was a wonderful experience overall.”

Saltus extends its thanks to Waynflete School for their warm hospitality and to all participating schools for an inspiring week of competition and camaraderie.