AT just nine years old, Giselle Atlas is the Sunshine Coast Junior Speech Champion for 13 years and under.

Giselle has achieved this with no extra help other than her weekly drama lessons at BYTES (Buderim Youth Theatre).

When she grows up she wants to be a neurologist, she decided this at the age of five when her mother became sick with a disease of the brain and has never changed her mind.

We were a little worried about her because she had been in hospital for the last two weeks with severe stomach pains.

We were not sure up until the day of the competition if she was up for it. It would be more than fair to say that the mind was willing but the body was slightly unwilling.

Giselle is one of those wonderful children who tries everything. She is not a showy type but has this ability to come alive in front of an audience whilst understanding the text she is talking about.

As one who has been subject to her fair share of bullying in her time to win a competition as prestigious as this at a first try has been a wonderful boost to her self esteem.

It was such a thrill to see her joy and that beaming smile. All she could say was ' Daddy I can't believe I did that', well she did do it and against some fierce competition.

We couldn't have been prouder of our brave and precious little girl.

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