Gunnedah’s Lions Youth of the Year Clare Canham recently competed with distinction at district level and although not a winner on this occasion, chairman of the Lions Youth of the Year Quest, Neville Adams, said Clare had acquitted herself in a very positive and graceful manner.
A St Mary’s College student, Clare Canham represented the Lions Club of Gunnedah at Armidale Bowling Club, with the quest hosted by Armidale Dumaresq Lions Club.
“It was such a credit to Clare as she was the only contestant who presented her five-minute prepared speech, The Changing of Trends without using palm cards,” he said.
“Congratulations go to Clare; she should be very proud of her efforts.
“William Hamel from Farrer Agricultural High School was the surprise narrow winner of the public speaking section and was also crowned the overall winner of the competition,” Neville Adams said.
“William will now compete in the state level of the competition at Wentworthville, Sydney, in May.”
The two-minute impromptu question asked by the judging panel were: What are the pros and cons of AI (artificial intelligence)? and what are the advantages of having a pet?
Former Gunnedah Lions Youth of the Year contestant, Adam Marshall, now the Member for Northern Tablelands, who was a guest at the dinner, spoke of his experience when he contested the national level of this competition some 22 years ago.
“He even gave from memory a short stint of his five-minute prepared speech all those years back,” Lion Neville Adams said.
Neville Adams and his wife Robin from the Gunnedah Lions Club chaperoned Clare on this occasion together with St Mary’s teachers Nichole Brookes and Vikki Isbester. Clare’s dad Chris
Canham and twin siblings also attended. The annual Lions Youth of the Year Quest is open to anyone under 18 years of age, not necessarily a school student.
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