A large crowd of Rotarians and supporters attended the event on November 19 at Dungog High School which included a catered meal from the Year 11 hospitality students.

“Public speaking is a valuable art, which can afford to its students an entry into a new dimension of life,’ said Rotarian John Walton.

“The study and performance of public speaking is a lot more than a scholarly pursuit and achievement in the field is a real confidence booster.”

All students’ speech topics were of their own choosing but must have related to part of the Rotary four way test.

Of the things we think, say or do: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

“The content of the speeches showed that a lot of work and research had been done by the speakers,”said Mr Walton.

“The adjudicators Rotarian Alan Mitchell, Councillor Kate Murphy and Dungog Mayor Tracy Norman spoke in glowing terms of the quality and content of all seven speakers and their speeches.

“All seven of the students spoke extremely well and their parents and schools should be very proud of their efforts and the persuasiveness, presentation and research of the arguments they presented. 

Speakers, their schools and subject were: Olivia Hutchins, Stroud 'Fantastic plastic'; Kendall Boyton, Glen William, 'Sports'; Kaylie Quinn, St Joseph’s,‘Inspiration; Lotas Rossi, Stroud Road, ‘If you do the crime, should your parents do the time?;  Ava Beitzel, Dungog,  ‘Technology; Katlin Horn, Gresford, ‘Questions’; Charlie Codrington, Seaham, ‘Leaders’.

Kendall won a cheque from the Club for $200 to present to his school and this year for the first time the Rotary club of Dungog also presented Kendall with a cheque for $50. 

Rotary Dungog was pleased to welcome and thank former Dungog High student leader now in her final year studying to be a science teacher at UON, Tina Tiedeman, as the emcee for the evening.