Jordyn Pillay, has been named the National Champion of the 2025
Celebrating National Success in Race Unity Speech Awards
2025 Theme: Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau - The Great Ocean of Diversity
It is with immense pride that Ormiston Senior College shares a momentous achievement within our school community. Jordyn Pillay, a Year 12 student, has been named the National Champion of the 2025 Race for Unity Speech Awards held at the MiT Ngā Kete Wānanga Marae, Otara, on Sunday 4th May. This prestigious title is a remarkable accomplishment and an honour that recognises Jordyn’s outstanding oratory skill, courageous thinking, deep insight and powerful commitment to building a more inclusive Aotearoa.
Jordyn’s award-winning speech responding to this year’s theme: Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau – The Great Ocean of Diversity delivered a thought-provoking speech that invited listeners to consider the transformative impact of simply dedicating eight minutes to truly hearing the stories of others. Her message called for deeper empathy and understanding, inclusion, and unity values that lie at the heart of a just and harmonious society.
Jordyn’s speech resonated strongly with audiences and judges alike, capturing the spirit of the theme and offering a timely reminder of the importance of compassion, active listening and unity in a diverse society.
This national recognition is a testament not only to Jordyn’s courage and clarity of voice but also to the strength of student leadership and critical thought fostered within our school.
In recognition of her outstanding insight and forward-thinking vision, Jordyn was also awarded the Tohu Whetūmatarau: Ministries of Ethnic Communities Award for Vision. This award acknowledges a speaker who casts light on a more hopeful, inclusive future.
The calibre of participation from Ormiston Senior College in this year’s awards was further exemplified by our other regional finalists: Jay Govindji, Alex Lin, Kiana Paoo, Saketha Jandhyala, Aayush Sharma. We also proudly acknowledge Year 13 student Georgina Pico, who reached the National semi-finals and delivered a compelling and passionate speech on Saturday, narrowly missing a place in the semi-final round.
Jordyn's 2025 National Race Unity Speech can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqmVEwCPaxg
The Ormiston Senior College staff and students congratulate Jordyn on this outstanding achievement.
