Ben nominated for award, as Lions help Cobram and District Specialist School students

Participants had to make a speech about a topic of their choice and were judged on their knowledge of the subject, the standard of their speech and the clarity in which they presented it.

Ben beat seven other students to win the nomination with a speech about the Australian Open.

Other speeches made covered the CFA, dogs and Elvis.

Participants were judged by Cobram and District Specialist School assistant principal Lisa Oliver, District V6 chairman Les Harrison and Cobram Lions Leo advisor Ron Simon.

Ms Oliver said all the participants made exceptional speeches.

“We are very proud to have that large number of students having a go at public speaking.The judges had a hard decision as the speeches were well researched and presented,” she said.

The Lions Youth of the Year  program is designed to encourage and develop leadership skills among students who are about to finish their secondary education.

The program celebrates qualities like contribution to the community and school, public speaking, academic skills, sporting and cultural involvement in the hope of inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

The Lions Youth of the Year Program is now in its sixth decade and the program is managed and supported by Lions Australia and run by Lions clubs in each of the 19 districts with the support of the schools.