Leadership, public speaking and citizenship of three BSSC students was recently acknowledged by their success in reaching the District final of the Lions Club Youth of the Year. Congratulations to Janae Smith, Darcie Andrea, and the local winner of both the Public Speaking and Youth of the Year awards, Kelly Phan. You have all made us proud. BSSC was the only school with three local club winners.
Students from Catholic College, Castlemaine, Maryborough, Girton and BSSC responded to two impromptu questions from a panel and then delivered a pre-prepared 5-minute speech on a topic of their choice.
Kelly spoke about the need to change our education system: “The Australian government calls on innovation as the skill of the century, but how can we be innovative without creativity, diversity and curiosity? We need to revolutionise education, because quite simply, we can’t afford not to.”
While the 5-minute speeches were made during the evening event, earlier panel interviews also formed part of the selection process. Bendigo MHR Lisa Chesters, a judging panel member commented that some of those answers were also inspiring.
“When considering priorities for this year’s election, entrants’ answers focused on the needs based education funding, safe schools, marriage equality, climate change and tough action on drugs,” she said.
Our college wishes Kelly every success as she now progresses to the District, and hopefully State and National levels of this prestigious award. Earlier this year, Kelly was also recognised for celebrating migrants in our community through her ABC Heywire competition win.
The Lions Youth of the Year is a prestigious event which boasts many high profile Australians such as Kevin Rudd, Sabra Lane and Senator Simon Birmingham as past entrants.s the one area you think should be a focus.” Inspiring answers that focused on needs based education funding, safe schools, marriage equality, climate change & tough action on drugs. Youth of the Year is designed to encourage student interest in leadership and the qualities required to take an active and constructive role in the community. A high level of academic, leadership, sporting, public speaking and citizenship achievement is sought in its potential winners.
