Two sets of local high school students were declared winners at separate speech competitions this week held by Madera Rotary and Madera Sunrise Rotary. Each student presented a five-minute talk on “Peace Through Service,” Rotary International’s theme for this year’s contest.
“Our contest was very inspiring”, said speech contest chair Sue Thornton, “Many Rotarians commented on how impressed they were with these students. Not only were they excellent speakers, each with a distinctive style, but each student is already actively involved in community service and truly capable of contributing to Rotary International’s dream of achieving world peace through service.”
The first place winner for Madera Sunrise Rotary’s contest Wednesday morning was Marco Alvarez, the son of Myriam and Leonardo Alvarez. A sophomore at San Joaquin Memorial High School, he has been on the Dean’s list for the past two years, belongs to the swim team, and volunteers at Poverello House. The first place winner for Madera Rotary Club’s contest, also Wednesday, was Chloe Doyle of Liberty High School.
The second place winner for Madera Sunrise was Gilbert Falcon, a Madera High School junior who competes on the debate team in the School of Human Services. The second place winner for Madera Rotary was Jaycob Rousey of Liberty High School...