MILLICENT High School students Sally Sapiatzer and Ava Smith-Muhovics won an important annual competition for youth following the annual Lions Youth of the Year dinner in Millicent on Tuesday.
Three South East candidates for the community honour had addressed a meeting of the Millicent Lions Club at Oliver’s restaurant at Sandpipers Motel.
Sally spoke on her journey, Kangaroo Inn Area School’s Josh Kellock spoke on air cadets and Ava spoke on her family.
The public speaking award went to Sally.
Ava was crowned youth of the year, representing the Millicent Lions Club, while Sally represented the Lioness Club of Millicent.
With an attendance of 80, there was a strong representation from the candidates’ families and the Millicent Lioness Club as well as Lions zone chairman Darryl Morley.
Each candidate had given a five-minute prepared speech and answered two impromptu questions.
Another part of the selection process took place at Millicent High School on Sunday afternoon when the candidates were interviewed by local identities Pat Muhovics, Marg Chapple and Julian Rebellato.
The two coordinators were Michael Bleby (Lions) and Joan Lucas (Lioness Club).
The two winners will advance to the regional final at Kalangadoo in the coming weeks.
Held around the nation, the Lions Youth of the Year is designed to encourage, foster and develop leadership.
The qualities sought include academic attainments, leadership, personality, sportsmanship, public speaking and good citizenship.
