Gilbert Valley Youth of the Year

ANNIE Merritt is the Gilbert Valley Lions district “Youth of the Year,” conducted as part of the national Lions club’s annual quest.
Bridget Hallion was the other contender. Both are students at Riverton and District High School.
Interviewed by judges Nick Smyth of Balaklava, Louise Sparks of Adelaide and Tony Clarke of Tarlee, the entrants gave two minute responses to two impromptu questions, followed by each giving a five minute prepared speech to an audience of Lions and family members.
Judging panel chairman, Tony Clarke, said judges were high in praise of both entrants.
Annie, who also won the Public Speaking segment, will represent the club at the region final in the Barossa Valley this Sunday, March 4.
The quest, sponsored by NAB, then has district and state finals, before being finalised at the Lions national convention in Perth in May. The state finalists tour each state together, with one being chosen for an overseas tour later in the year.
The quest has been a project of Lions Clubs Australia since 1966 and many thousands of students have entered, with most of them gaining much in the way of confidence in speaking in public and relating to others as they move through life.
Year 11 students are encouraged to enter by contacting their nearest Lions club each year.

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