Sunday’s zone final of the Lions Public Speaking Competition attracted perhaps one of the largest attendances ever to Finley’s Bob Close Pavilion.
The Zone 5 and Zone 6 final was chaired by MC John Weinert, who is zone chairman.
Students travelled from schools in Katunga, Tocumwal, Mulwala, Cobram, Tungamah, Finley, Barooga, Jerilderie, Yarrawonga and Katamatite to participate and perform before the judges - Ross Bodey, Nola Pinnuck and Jenny Philpot - to gain the opportunity to attend the district final to be held in Tocumwal on Sunday, August 25.
Nine Year 3 and 4 students had three minutes to talk on the subject of ‘Your favourite fairy tale or book character’, which proved to be entertaining and enlightening.
Each spoke with confidence, using hand and facial expressions to emphasise a point.
It was very evident the time and effort each contestant had put into their project.
This was followed by eight Year 5 and 6 students, who had four minutes to speak on their subject of ‘Who is the most influential person in your life?’.
Again, it was evident that considerable time and effort had been put into research and ideas with several people of influence, such as general practice doctors, parents, grandparents and other members of their communities who have impacted on their lives and given them inspiration for their futures.
After a short break, the Year 5 and 6 students were given 10 minutes in which to write an impromptu speech on the subject ‘If I had a superpower, what should it be?’.
Their imagination was incredible, with powers such as being able to talk to and understand animals, instant transportation, supersonic flight and invisibility popular.
Perhaps most moving was the ability to make other people happy.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Mr Bodey reported that deciding a winner had been one of the most difficult decisions to make due to the high standard of performance.
After much consideration, the judges announced Imogen Harris of St Joseph’s School, Finley as the winner of Years 3 and 4 and Rose Wiles of Sacred Heart School, Tocumwal the winner of Years 5 and 6.
The district final will be held at the Tocumwal Lions Function Rooms - at 5 Adams St, opposite the hospital - from 1pm on August 25.