Lions Youth of the Year

How Would You Define A Successful Human?

Imagine what it might be like to be given a speech topic like this one and only one-minute preparation time and a time limit of two minutes to reach.

For Year 12 students Ben McCormac and Lucy Dimond, that imagining became a reality last weekend when they were Pacific Lutheran College’s representatives in the annual Lions Youth of the Year competition at the Caloundra Lions club.

Ben and Lucy submitted a rigorous application form documenting their academic achievements, community involvement and future ambitions. They participated in an interview where they spoke to the interview panel about the content of their application and answered a series of general knowledge questions. 

Later in the day, they had to deliver two impromptu speeches, the topics included, how would you define a successful human and, Influencer or role model; which is the winner?   Ben and Lucy were the only contestants to make the impromptu time goal and gave thoughtful and well-crafted speeches that captivated the audience. The five-minute prepared speeches followed the impromptu speeches, and all the contestants presented passionate perspectives on various issues that impressed the judges and the Lions in the audience.

Lucy won the Public Speaking component of the contest, and Ben was the overall Youth of the Year winner. He now progresses to the District competition this weekend. We wish him all the best. 

We thank the Lions Club of Caloundra for the opportunity for Pacific students to engage in these experiences, build essential life skills and develop valuable evidence for university scholarship applications in the future. 

We also thank Ben and Lucy for being excellent ambassadors for our College and appreciate their warm engagement with their fellow competitors and with the members of the Lions Club of Caloundra. 

Mrs Rae Hall, Head of Department - English