ORANGEVALE ROTARY SPEECH CONTEST
"Leadership Through Service!" Orangevale Rotarians, family members and friends
were entertained and inspired by three very talented Casa Roble High School students who competed in this year’s Rotary Speech Contest at the Casa Roble library on the evening of March 5. Each student shared their own personal experiences and unique interpretations of this year’s theme.
Contestant Olivia Riehle noted that leaders are strong, light up the room and engaging. She shares her passion for dancing by teaching and inspiring young children in her dance class. "You are WORTHLESS!" The second speaker, Ysabel Chavez, certainly caught everyone’s attention with this very dramatic opening! Overwhelming, negative messages from others often override the positive ones we receive. Ysabel credited her experience last June at RYLA, Rotary’s summer leadership camp, for changing her life and strengthening her self confidence and leadership qualities. As a result of RYLA, Ysabel served as a group leader at Rotary’s middle school leadership camp where she was certainly a positive role model for the eighth graders. The final contestant, Kwame Porter, used the example of President Obama’s famous slogan, "Yes, we can!" to emphasize his belief that we can cultivate a better society through great leadership.
The following results were announced and awards given to the three very deserving contestants: 1st place ($200) to senior Ysabel Chavez; 2nd place ($100) to junior Kwame Porter; and 3rd place ($50) to senior Olivia Riehle. Ysabel will be representing Orangevale Rotary at the Roseville regional semi-final contest on March 31, competing against students from eight other high schools. Many Orangevale Rotarians are sure to be in the audience in support of this very talented young lady!