Wee Waa High School student Charlie Jenkins was named the winner of the 2022 Wee Waa Lions Club Youth of the Year competition.
The Lions Youth of the Year program has a proud history of encouraging and fostering the leadership skills of young Australians approaching the end of their high school years.
By emphasising qualities like academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement, public speaking and contribution to the community, Youth of the Year aims to bring forth the next generation of outstanding young Australians.
Wee Waa High School was able to participate in the program for the first time in three years due to COVID.
Five WWHS Year 11 students were keen to take part and have the opportunity to develop their interview and public speaking skills.
Caitlyn Coutts-Smith, Mackenzie Jones, Billy Brodigan, Charlie Jenkins and Tanika Slee impressed judges with their prepared speeches,
impromptu talks and interviews.
Ultimately Charlie Jenkins was selected as the winner and from here goes on to compete at district level in mid-February.
WWHS thanked the Wee Waa Lions Club, particularly Bruce Gray for organising the day, and his fellow Lions including, Tash Purdy-Johnston of Crockweld for time keeping, and esteemed judges, Ethan Towns, Anna Madden and James Woodrow.
WWHS also acknowledged Lisa Almagro of Wee Waa Community Arts and Cultural Centre for the warm welcome and use of the gallery spaces to conduct Lions Youth of the Year.
“Such a fantastic venue and so beautifully presented. It was an ideal location for today’s event.”
