10/10/2025
Kaniva Lions Club Hosts “Youth of the Year”
The October dinner meeting of the Kaniva Lions Club was a special night, as the Club hosted the annual “Youth of the Year “competition. The purpose of this nation-wide program is to encourage and foster leadership skills in senior high school students, specifically through interviews and public speaking.
The evening commenced with Lions President Alwyn Dyer welcoming all in attendance. This included the three judges for the competition: Leah Davies, Michael Hodges, and Jeanette Feder; the two entrants, Year 10 students Rebecca Hobbs and Evie Hendy; Kaniva College Principal, Robyn Bone; the entrants’ families, and Kaniva Lions, Partners and guests.
Youth of the Year Chairperson, Lion Malcolm Eastwood, explained that 75% of the judging had already taken place earlier that day during the interviews. Both Rebecca and Evie had submitted resumes which enabled the judges to ask specific questions of each student. During the evening, they would be completing the other 25%--the public speaking, both impromptu and prepared speeches.
So that Rebecca and Evie could relax a bit and enjoy their dinner, the impromptu section was then held. The topic was read through twice before the speaker was given two minutes during which to present her response. Both girls spoke very well to the two impromptu questions. How would you go?
• “Should people like Greta Thunberg and others put themselves in danger protesting in war zones?
• If you could be an animal, what would it be and why?
After a roast dinner prepared by Lions members, it was time for the five-minute prepared speeches. Rebecca chose the topic “AI in Agriculture”. She looked at the ways Artificial Intelligence is currently involved in agriculture, both with livestock and cropping, and the positive aspects AI can bring to improving agricultural outcomes in the future.
Evie’s topic was “Why Everybody Should Do a Martial Art”. She explained her involvement with martial arts and that it’s not just kicking and punching as some would believe. But rather, it improves physical and mental well-being and can be meditative.
After deliberation, the judges presented their findings, complimenting both girls on their interviews and interesting speeches. Evie was adjudged the winner of the public speaking, and Rebecca the over-all winner. Rebecca will now go on to represent Kaniva at the District level.
Kaniva Lions would like to congratulate Rebecca and Evie and thank them for their participation. Thanks also to their families for encouraging them. Lions are also grateful to Kaniva College for their continuing support of the Youth of the Year program. And finally, thank you to Leah, Michael, and Jeanette for their time and effort in being judges.
