Sarah Liley (16) delivered a speech about the Otago mounted rifles regiment to fend off nine other contestants at Mosgiel on Saturday.
The National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition requires participants to deliver a speech on the topic of New Zealanders at war.
Otago-Southland RSA convener Bruce Henderson said all 10 speeches dealt with a different aspect of the topic, all were excellent and he was glad he did not have to choose between them.
Judging was carried out by a Toastmasters panel.
Sarah said she was looking forward to hearing the speeches from the other contestants.
Going to Gallipoli with the official New Zealand delegation to Turkey for the 95th commemoration of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli would be "overwhelming".
Sarah will join seven other contestants in Wellington on April 1.
While she is studying for a Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) qualification in speech and drama, Sarah said she had not done much competition.
Sarah won $1000 for herself and another $1000 for her school with her speech at the weekend.
