Community & Business
21 March, 2024
Youth show their speaking prowess
AUSTRALIA will be in good hands judging by the calibre of this year’s contestants who competed in the Zone 2 and 3 final of the Lions Youth of the Year (YOTY) Program held recently at the Atherton Hotel.
Five clubs were represented by Kelly Muller (Millaa Millaa Lions), Mirabella Boglari (Yungaburra Lioness Lions), Ben Howard (Atherton Lions), Flynn Hyde (Malanda Lions) and Ella Daven (Mareeba Lions).
The competition consisted of an interview with the contestants held earlier in the day, two impromptu questions, each of a two-minute duration and a five-minute prepared speech.
Flynn Hyde emerged as the winner of the Zone final, while Ella Daven claimed victory in the Public Speaking category.
Zone 2 Lions YOTY coordinator Sandra Taske said this year marked the 60th anniversary of the event, which has been conducted since its inception in 1964.
“I delight in seeing how everyone, students, judges and teachers enjoy this competition,” Sandra said. “A lot of the students do this competition over a couple of years as they can start competing from the age of 14 years of age through to 18 years.”
Judges on the night were Michael Lawrence, Connie Duncan and Jayne Harte.
Mr Lawrence said one of the highlights of the night was listening to the prepared speeches.
“These gave us an insight into thoughts and issues from their perspective which is important as we all move forwards,” he said.
“We were particularly impressed with the students' level of maturity, and involvement in and care for people in their local communities, whether that was through sport, music, community organisations and activities or extended family and friends.”
Lions YOTY Zone final winner Flynn Hyde said it was a night worth remembering.
“The confidence boost, the interview experience, and the public speaking practice all work together to prepare youth for their future,” Flynn said.
“I seriously encourage any student to participate in this competition and to not miss this opportunity for personal growth with the Lions support.
“This competition really helps to set you up for the future, such as when taking job interviews, applying for scholarship grants and public speaking.
“I felt absolutely ecstatic when my name was announced as the winner of the zone final, not because I had won that stage, but more the fact that I now have the opportunity to further advance my skills in Townsville at the district final.”
“By developing the skills of high-achieving young people we make our community and our economy better.
Flynn will now go on to compete in the district finals in Townsville against approximately eight other contestants, each representing zones spanning from Sarina to Weipa and extending as far away as Mount Isa.
