The Princeton Rotary Club hosted the West Regional speech contest at the George Coon Public Library’s auditorium Tuesday, where two high school students shared their perspectives on this year’s theme, “The Magic of Rotary.”
Local Rotary President and speech contest co-chair Geneva Malone shared the rules of the contest to those in attendance and introduced the speakers known as Contestant A and Contestant B, the recent winners of the Sectional 1 and Sectional 2 Rotary Speech Contests, which are open for high school students in grades 9 – 12.
Contestant A, Isabella “Boo” Burton, is a junior homeschool student. She serves as an intern at Princeton City Hall, is a Farmers Bank Ambassador, and is a member of the Princeton Rotary Homeschool Interact Club. Additionally, she is pursuing studies in business management at Madisonville Community College. Burton’s future aspirations include running for the Princeton City Council and eventually serving as mayor.
Contestant B, Nathan Stogner, is a junior at Muhlenberg County High School, where he actively participates in the school’s marching and concert bands, as well as the theater program. He also serves as an intern at the theater. After graduation, Nathan plans to pursue a major in music education at either Western Kentucky University or the University of Louisville.
Burton and Stogner delivered their speeches, which were judged by non-Rotary Club members Alyson VanHooser, Margaret Hayes, and Jason Clark. After tallying the scores, Boo Burton was declared the winner of the West Regional Speech Contest.
Speech contest co-chair Dr. Melissa Earnest announced that this was the first time the Princeton Rotary Club had hosted the West Regional speech contest and presented Burton with a $500 check for first place, while Stogner received $300 for second place.
Burton shared with WPKY’s News Edge that she dedicates extensive time preparing for the speech contest.
She said the contest is a way to share her passion for the Rotary Club with others.
Burton, the daughter of local Rotarians Steffani and Chris Burton, has gained valuable insights into Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self,” through her family’s active participation in the Princeton Rotary Club and her involvement in the Interact Club.
Following Tuesday’s win, Burton said she has accumulated a total of $1,200 in winnings from speech contests this year.
She also stated that the Rotary Club is a wonderful organization and if anyone is interested in joining, they would love to have you as a member.
Burton now advances to the District 6710 finals contest, scheduled for May 17 during the district conference in Hopkinsville.
