The contest, which recognizes the importance of public speaking for leadership development, will provide ninth-to-twelfth grade students a chance win cash and earn community recognition by presenting an original five-minute speech on the theme of "Serve to Change Lives."
The theme, selected by Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, refers to his personal commitment to community service through Rotary, which he said, "kindled the spark within me to look beyond myself and embrace humanity."
Students have until Jan. 15 to submit entries for one of three club-level contests. Pleasanton North Rotary and Tri-Valley Evening Rotary will hold their contests at Foothill High School on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3, respectively. The Rotary Club of Dublin will conduct its competition at Dublin Library Feb. 15.
The winner of each club-level contest will be awarded $200. Second and third place finishers will win $150 and $100, respectively. All other contestants will receive a $25 participation fee.
Winners will also qualify for regional competition with its $250 top prize in March and those winners moving on to regional and potentially qualifying for district finals with competition for a $1000 top prize in April. For rules and registration forms, contact Pleasanton North Rotary's Kevin Greenlee at [email protected]
