Last week’s program was provided by Rotarian Sophia Hyde.  Sophia facilitated the annual Rotary High School Speech Contest.  There were three contestants, Delany Flowers, Anna Futch, and Katelyn Yarbrough.  The topic for the speeches was the current Rotary Theme: “Making a Difference”.  Each of the students had 5-7 minutes to present their speech to the club while Mike Arndt, Jana Butler and Felix Haynes judged their presentations based on several criteria.  The contestants were judged on:  Content – originality, creativity, imagination, human interest and relevant examples and, incorporation of the Rotary theme.  Organization – effective introduction and establishment of theme, orderly, logical body, clear points and transitions with vivid illustrations and a persuasive, logical conclusion.  Delivery – diction, pronunciation, enunciation, vocal clarity, projection, body language, posture, eye contact, etc.  All three contestants did an amazing job!  They spoke on a variety of topics including; Paul Harris, local fundraising events, what “service” means, planting trees, sustaining service, polio and Rotarians “choosing” to make a difference.  Three cash awards were distributed to the contestants after the judges scores were tabulated.  The third-place winner was Anna Futch and she received an award of $25.  Second place went to Delany Flowers who received $50.  First place, and moving on to the group level competition March 22, was Katelyn Yarbrough who received $100.  All the contestants did a Great Job!

     -Provided by Mike Arndt