Isabella Burton is advancing in the 2024 Rotary Speech Contest after placing first at the West Regional Contest to District 6710 on Tuesday.
The regional contest was hosted by the Princeton Rotary Club at the Majestic Steak House restaurant and included two contestants – Burton, of Princeton, and Brennan Christmas of Russellville.
This year’s speech contest theme is “Create Hope in the World”, in which Christmas highlighted the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as a way to find hope and connected this concept to the values of Rotary.
He then cited Bible verses relating to the Rotary’s motto “Service Above Self” and the Rotary’s 4-way test: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? In his closing remarks, he expressed that his prayer has always been for God to use him as a living sacrifice to advance His kingdom through serving others in ministry, prioritizing their needs above his own.
click to download audioBurton then stepped up to the podium and explained that Rotarians have a unique perspective on hope, emphasizing that the Rotary’s 4-way test is at the heart of every member.
Burton, a member of the Princeton Rotary Homeschool Interact Club, shared how the local Rotary created hope in the aftermath of the 2021 tornado. She also expressed her belief that the organization that creates the most hope is the Interact Club.
click to download audioShe went on to mention President John F. Kennedy’s quote, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future,” highlighting the importance of focusing on the future when discussing hope, particularly in relation to our children. She then discussed the active role of the local Interact Club in the community.
After the students’ presentations, Speech Contest Co-chair Melissa Earnest shared our thoughts with the audience about the speeches.
click to download audioWhile the scores were being tallied, Christmas, sponsored by the Russellville Rotary Club, shared his plans to major in electrical engineering at Western Kentucky University and hopes to work for an electrical co-op while continuing his ministry.
Burton, a 15-year-old sophomore who is homeschooled, aspires to pursue a career in politics. She intends to major in science and has set her sights on running for city council once she turns 18, with the ultimate goal of becoming mayor.
Earnest awarded Burton a $500 prize for securing first place, and Christmas received a $300 prize. Burton will now advance to the Rotary District speech contest on May 11th in Louisville.
