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Vergennes Lions Club Holds Speak Out Contest

photo by provided A night of great food and great speeches culminated with the awarding of prizes by the Vergennes Lions Club. Speak Out Contest Chair Kathy Cannon gave out checks to VUHS students Addie Brooks, Mason Charlebois and Peighton Duprey. Mason Charlebois was selected the local winner and will represent the Vergennes Club at the state contest in March.

Tuesday February 27, 2018

By Cookie Steponaitis

The Vergennes Lions Club opened its doors for the annual high school speech contest this week with the theme ‘We Serve’. The contest is held annually and based on the message of the International Lion’s Club president of that year providing contestants with five-seven minutes to speak on the topic and share their stories and visions for how service to others can evolve.
    Along with a great dinner and regular meeting this year’s contestants shared stories of service missions to Romania and Paraguay, challenged the group to rethink how media and society perpetuates stereotypes that result in 25% of females in each elementary dieting by their 10th birthday and how service with others in America has shown one teen the abject poverty still hampering the lives of millions in parts of our country. Each speaker was animated dispelling the stereotype of non-involvement by this generation.
    At the end of the evening one winner emerged, but the conversation between generations in a room full of people devoted to serving others and improving the quality of life on the planet was powerful to witness and affirming to hear. Lions serve 1.4 million strong alongside many other committed civic organizations. While one can achieve great things, the hands of millions focused on a task brings about monumental change.
    Spring will soon be upon the Champlain Valley and new blooms will take root and grow. Perhaps now is the time for joining a community group and planting seeds of change. The list of causes is endless and the knowledge of knowing that your service helps others priceless. Congratulations to the Lions Club Speak Out winner but even more thank you to all who serve and continue to do so day after day and year after year.

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