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Rotary Speech Contest Shines A Light On The Gifts Of Service

photo by Photo Provided Shown here left to right Caitlin Walsh, Rebecca Maloy, Emily Martin, Vergennes Rotary Club President C.J. Hebert, Mason Charlebois and Sophia Parker.

Tuesday January 19, 2016

By Cookie Steponaitis

When most people speak of lights and gifts, images of the holidays are conjured up in our minds. The kind of lights and gifts that were spoken about at the meeting of the Vergennes Rotary Mavericks had less to do with holidays and more to do with community. Rotary International is an organization of 1.2 million members and is based on the concept of neighbors, friends and community leaders coming together to create positive and lasting change in local and global communities. Rotary groups encompass different cultures, countries and shared passions and are lights in the darkness and gifts to people worldwide.
    Gathered at the Vergennes Rotary meeting were six VUHS teens that took up the challenge of participating in the local Rotary Speech Contest and defining how teens and adults can be gifts to others and lights for change. Freshman Caitlin Walsh spoke about her passion for musical theatre and following the inspirational work of Cecily Tyson and bringing the arts to underprivileged children. Sophomore Mason Charlebois called attention to the beauty and diversity of our planet and the ability of each to take action through political service and community work. Juniors Sophia Parker and Rebecca Maloy shared the joy of rehabilitating wild animals and saving and placing dogs in their forever home. While Parker challenged everyone to shine their light and start small, Maloy acknowledged her mother as her hero and shared how her health struggles have led Maloy to a career in nursing and being a light for those who are facing medical issues and trauma. Senior and contest winner Emily Martin spoke about the state of the world in 1945 and the monumental task of rebuilding it with the devastation of World War Two and the deaths of sixty million. She shared her mission of being a light to others and providing a tool chest of public speaking skills to young children and encouraging them to find their spot and grow.
    While the point totals were close and ultimately there could be only one winner, all of the teens showcased the power and community minded focus of the next generation and their understanding and support of Rotary’s distinct approach that lets them see challenges in a multidisciplinary way and that their model for applying leadership, expertise and numbers of members help create change at home and around the world. “2016 is full of gifts for me,” shared Martin in her speech. “I will graduate high school, begin a career in political science at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and will vote in my first presidential election. All these gifts are mine by birth. I am an American and with that comes one of the world’s greatest gift boxes, the Bill of Rights and a set of freedoms desired by millions the world over.” So shine on Rotary International and for all the people you impact along the way, know that the next generation recognizes your gifts and stands ready to join in.

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