Letter from the 2007-2008 Student Speaker
MD4 Final Speech Winner
Dear Lion Club Members:
For many people public speaking is one of their top ten worst fears, and for some it’s even in the top five. This contest is a great way to gain confidence and experience in public speaking as well as prepare for the future. Though I have been performing since I was eight years old, I have never been in a speech competition. So, for my public speaking class, I decided to give the Lions’ Speech Contest a try and I cannot express how grateful I am for that opportunity. The competition taught me many lessons beyond research and speech writing. I now see myself as a confident speaker and have learned more about what I can accomplish.
This contest opened a new door for me. Before the speech began, I was still trying to figure out what path in life I wanted to venture down. I now know that I would like to pursue a career in communication. The speech contest was stressful at times, but it was all worth it in the end. Many of the Lion’s members offered encouraging advice throughout the competition and helped me every step of the way. The competitors were very friendly, too. I made new friends and had the opportunity to explore something beyond anything I have experienced.
In the fall of 2008 I will be attending California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and pursuing a degree in Communications. I cannot express the gratitude I owe to the Lions Student Speakers Foundation as well as the Lions Club as a whole for the scholarship opportunity and the outstanding experience. I owe a special thank you to the Hayfork Lions Club for their support and the distances they traveled to attend each competition. I would also like to thank the community of Hayfork and all of the people that supported me throughout the contest.
Sincerely,
Hannah Drain