‘Aim to be a standout performer’

Seventeen inspirational young people competed in the National Final of the Lions Clubs New Zealand 2011 Young Speechmaker Competition in Taradale this year.

They shared their thoughts and provided an array of emotions  as they delivered prepared speeches on subjects ranging from the state of education in NZ, earthquake damage, the power of thought, making sacrifices, growing old, the legend of Anzac, phone hacking, the life of a giraffe, teenage break-ups and having a genetic mutation – a wobbly chin.

After listening to the vast array of topics, followed by a shorter impromptu speech on “Humility”, the three judges admitted they had a huge dilemma selecting their winners.

“Aim to be a standout performer”, was a pertinent comment made by head judge Patricia Jellyman before announcing the winners and encouraging all the participants to re-enter the competition next year now that they had experienced what was required. 

The winner was Sean Hand, a 17-year-old student at St Kevin’s College, Oamaru, who was sponsored by the Lions Club of Waiareka Valley. His thought-provoking speech on “Damage from the drug P” methamphetamine) gave a graphic insight into the problem that a lot of families in this country face.

Second  place went to 16-year-old Jordan Simmonds, a student at Cambridge Boys High School, sponsored by the Cambridge Lions Club, who entertained the appreciative audience of around 100 with his outlook on what depicted “Normality” and convinced the audience (by example) that wearing pink tights is normal.

Third place getter, 17-year-old Stella McMullen, sponsored by the Spirit of Napier Lions Club, spoke passionately of her “Search for Love”. 

“The opportunity to mix and share some time with the participants, host club members, supporters and families at a medieval banquet at the Napier Club finished a fantastic, entertaining and inspiring day,” Lion Brian Quinlan said. “I look forward to next year’s competition to reignite my faith in our youth and share some valuable time with our future leaders. Their parents and schools should be extremely proud of the way they conducted themselves.”

The competition is open to 16 – 21 year olds from within New Zealand, and offers a first prize of a six-week trip to Canada and the USA, a new second prize of a trip to Australia (both generously sponsored by International Entertainment NZ Limited), and a third prize of a place at the Lions International Youth Camp at Lake Okataina in Rotorua.

Photo (top): Jordan Simmonds, Sean Hand, contest co-ordinator Kerry Beach and Stella McMullen.

Photo (right): Jordan Simmonds in his "normal" pink pants.

Passionately against ‘P’

Winner Sean Hand has been learning speech under the direction of St Kevin’s teacher Karen Austin for three years - and was convinced by her to enter the contest, even though his experience was limited to competing in the Catholic secondary schools’ Bishops Shield and after-match speeches as North Otago representative rugby captain.

"Mrs Austin arrived with the entry form at rugby practice and I signed it on top of her car," he said.

He won the regional Lions final earlier this year in Oamaru, and then competed against the other regional winners in Napier.

He said he found it easy to talk passionately about the dangers of “P” because he is so against it.

He is looking forward to his trip to the US and Canada, where he will compete in an international final.  He will be hosted by Lions members’ families and asked to speak on New Zealand.