It also provides the opportunity for the youths who participate to gain real and practical interview and public address skills.

Five excellent candidates applied this year.

They were Amy Brain, Amy McFadyen, Jeannie Boag, Cory McMillan and Mathew Harrigan.

Whilst all contestants were able to make it along to the interviews where they all performed extremely well, unfortunately Mathew Harrigan unable to attend the final judging stage due to illness.

Ultimately Amy Brain was awarded both the public speaking and outright winner awards.

Amy prevailed in what was described by the judges as a finger-biting finish on teenage rebellion, which gave a few laughs as well as something to think about.

Cory McMillan was awarded the encouragement award after his speech on volunteer and community service organisations.

From there Amy went to Narrandera on Sunday, March 16 to compete in the zone finals where she faced some stiff competition from Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith.

Despite her excellent read speech – the only one to get a good laugh from the crowd and judges – she was unsuccessful with the Narrandera contestant being awarded both the public speaking and outright winner awards.

Nonetheless Amy did us all proud and is to be congratulated on her outstanding performance.

In conclusion the Coleambally Lions Club would like to extend it’s thanks to all the students who participated in this year’s event making it the success it was.

Also to the judges who took time out from their busy schedules and had the difficult task of deciding the winner.