The Rotary Club of Princeton welcomed three Caldwell County High School juniors to their Tuesday meeting, where the students competed in the annual speech contest focused on the theme “Service to Others Brings Happiness.”
President-elect for next year, Shane Fortner, welcomed attendees to the noon meeting, where Speech Contest Committee Co-Chair Geneva Malone thanked those who were instrumental in getting students to participate.
She also introduced the judges selected for the speech contest.
click to download audioHigh school students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible to participate in the speech contest, where contestants are given 5 to 8 minutes to present their speeches to Rotarians anonymously as Contestants A, B, and C. Their identities are revealed only after the judges submit their scorecards.
This year’s speech contestants included: 17-year-olds Allison White and Zari Wilson, and 18-year-old Medeline Thomas, with Speech Contest Committee Co-Chair Dr. Melissa Earnest praising them for sharing personal stories of service that reflected this year’s theme.
While judges tallied the scores, each student spoke about the sports and organizations they are involved in, beginning with Wilson.
Thomas and White also shared the activities and organizations they participate in.
click to download audioOnce the scores were tallied, White claimed first place with a $300 check, Wilson earned second and received $200, while Thomas placed third and was awarded $100.
White will now move on to compete in the Sectional 1 speech contest.
click to download audioTuesday’s speech contest was held at the Majestic House, with special guest Assistant District Governor John Rufli from Cadiz in attendance.
