Contestants speak up at Lions Youth of the Year competition

Three Narrabri High School students contested the Lions Youth of the Year competition in the Tourist Hotel function room on Saturday in front of an audience of 35 guests.

The contest is held for high school students usually in years 11 and 12.

Narrabri High School captain Riley Emmerson, vice-captain Seamus Hunt and prefect Karl Schlack- Whitehouse attended 30-minute interviews with the judges before presenting their prepared five-minute speeches and answering two impromptu questions at a Narrabri Lions dinner held that evening.

Seamus Hunt was announced as the overall club winner with Karl Schlack-Whitehouse receiving the public speaking award.

Seamus now goes onto the regional judging to be held in Narrabri on Saturday, March 13.

“If he is successful at the region judging Seamus will advance to district finals, then state and finally national,” Lions spokesman Rob Gilbert said.

“It is enormously gratifying to see dedication and determination from these young students.

“The Youth of the Year competition is designed to encourage students’ interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community,” said Mr Gilbert.

“A high level of academic, leadership, sporting, public speaking and citizenship achievement is sought in potential winners.

“By emphasising these qualities, it hopes to provide outstanding role models for the youth of Australia and an overall increase in the confidence of young men and women.”