Stockton student impresses at prestigious event to mark the life and legacy of Sir Winston Churchill

For many people, the thought of public speaking is enough to get the boots quivering.

But Stockton student, Nathania Ewruje, did Teesside proud when she delivered a word-perfect speech at the Houses of Parliament in front of the Prime Minister and other notable politicians.

The 17-year-old was tasked with delivering the same speech Sir Winston Churchill made when he unveiled a statue of himself at the London Guildhall in 1955 at an event to mark his life and legacy.

And if that was not nerve-racking enough, she followed on from the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, and David Cameron, who both also paid tribute to Churchill in front of members of Churchill’s family.

“My reading went a lot better than I thought it would. I was a lot calmer than I thought I’d be,” said the Stockton Sixth Form College student.

“It was a really scary moment knowing I would have to follow David Cameron. It was intimidating at first as I listened to those before me.”

Nathania Ewruje

Nathania was chosen to take part after winning the English-Speaking Union’s (ESU) Winston Churchill Cup for public speaking last year.

For that event, the teenager had written a speech based around the Winston Churchill quote from 1953 on the occasion of his award of the Nobel Prize for literature: “The power of man has grown in every sphere, except over himself.”

At the remembrance service, Nathania was also among those who laid wreaths in Churchill’s honour before a breakfast reception was held in the Churchill Dining Room.

“It was fascinating to see inside the Houses of Parliament,” she said.

“Ed Miliband approached me first, congratulating me on my reading. All of the party leaders commented that I didn’t seem nervous. David Cameron in particular was talking to me about the speech that I gave, and how relevant and influential Churchill’s words still are.

“I am still stunned to have been given such an amazing opportunity. It all feels very surreal.”

Nathania Ewruje

Joanna Bailey, principal at Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “Nathania can deliver readings which are not only technically excellent, but warm, passionate and engaging.

“Being invited to commemorate Sir Winston Churchill at a national event is a remarkable opportunity and testament to Nathania’s exceptional talents.”