The Mark Highlights
By Jennifer Santillan
Community Outreach Student Intern
On January 27th, Rotary International held their annual speech contest at Lathrop High School for students to compete for college scholarships.
In the career center at Lathrop High School, students were told to prepare a 5-minute speech based on the motivating topic, "Connecting with the World through Leadership and Service." The majority of students who participated are members of Interact club, which focuses on providing aid for the community through feeding the homeless, as well as volunteering at specific Rotary events. This enabled these students to reflect directly on how they have connected within their community through various initiatives. Students' speeches were judged upon three qualifications: whether they efficiently established the topic, how they implemented Rotarians bringing life to
MUSD Board President Bob Wallace poses with staff and students of the speech contest.
their communities through activities, along with how service connects to the values of a better life. Rotary International organization has a motto, "Service Above Self," which can be traced back to the earliest days of the organization and provides opportunity for students to be involved by demonstrating service-oriented leadership. The winning speech recipients received monetary scholarships funded by the Rotary International Organization. Taking home first place is senior, Darlene Hoang, winning $125 in scholarship money. In second place, freshman, Sanah Sunner, received $100 for her best efforts. Harsimar Oberai, a senior on Lathrop's campus, achieved third place with a prize of $75, and, also a senior, Harman Garcha, received Honorable Mention. The first place contestant will go forward into the area contests, which will be held before February 28th.
Award winners of the annual Rotary International speech contest.
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL
Speaking of $cholarships
