General News
23 February, 2023
Lions Youth of the Year named
THE Lions Club of Camperdown held its Youth of the Year Contest on Tuesday, February 14.
THE Lions Club of Camperdown held its Youth of the Year Contest on Tuesday, February 14.
There were five contestants this year: Tahlia Berry, Eloise Chivell and Jack Vaughan from Mercy Regional College and Selvia Suson and Ruby Walsh from Camperdown College.
Judges were Narelle Fitzgerald, Rob Van den Eynde and Jo Beard.
The evening public speaking section took place prior, and was attended by an audience that included school representatives, contestants family members, friends and Lions members.
The students performed very well and their efforts were appreciated by all who attended.
The judges stated that they were very impressed by all the contestants at their interviews, both with their general knowledge and breadth of interests, and content of the prepared speeches.
Chairman of judges Narelle Fitzgerald congratulated all contestants, stating the competition was extremely close and very difficult for the judges.
The winner was Tahlia Berry with her prepared speech on ‘Why Heartbreak makes you Stronger’.
“Tahlia Berry was successful in both the public speaking and the overall competition,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Tahlia will now progress to the regional final which will be held at Camperdown on Saturday, March 4 where she will compete against fellow club final winners from other Lions clubs.
“The regional final winning student will progress to the district final in Barwon Heads on Saturday, March 18, with winners then competing at the state final at Wangaratta then the national final at the Gold Coast.”
Lions president and Youth of the Year co-ordinator Jan Smith extended congratulations to the contestants.
“Thanks to school staff and families for helping to make the contest a success, and to MC Lion Colin Hayman for his conduct of the evening,” she said.
The judges were also thanked for their generosity in giving their time and expertise to the contest.