Lions Youth of the Year
Lions Youth of the Year 2019
On Monday 26th February, five Year 12 students participated in the Lions Youth of the Year Competition at the Renmark Hotel. The competition was divided into two sections: firstly, an interview with three judges around local, national and global topics, and a public speaking component consisting of a prepared five-minute speech on a chosen topic or issue, plus two impromptu questions.
The competition was fierce, with diverse and important issues raised by our students. Nikita Petricevic captured the audience’s attention with her speech on the fears of public speaking, claiming Best Speaker of the night. Nikita remarked that “I chose to speak about something passionate that I am doing.” And why public speaking: “sometimes my nerves get the better of me, and I wanted to prove there was a reason.”
However, as the night came to a close, Serhat Kavlakoglu was announced as Renmark High School’s Lions Youth of the Year, wowing the judges with his interview responses, and his impassioned speech on water allocations affecting the Riverland. As Serhat explained:
"Every state has its own legislations for the management of water licensing. Meaning that we are still acting like 7 states rather than one nation. Each state has different amounts of water allocations and who suffers the most? The people of South Australia, the growers, the people putting food on your plate, the people putting the tomatoes, the cucumbers, the stone fruit and the vegetables on your plate. South Australia is left with the other state’s left overs and frankly it’s just not enough"
When asked why he decided to participate, Serhat noted “I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and get involved in a community organisation…Mrs Elliott also recommended me for the competition and I made sure to read the morning notices”.
The regional final will be held on the 17th of March at the Renmark Council Chambers. A time has yet to be advised. “Hopefully I’ll win”, grinned Serhat. We hope so too!
Alistair Ward
Learner Engagement Leader