Takyla Hardes from Nambucca Heads High School wins Lions Youth of the Year Nambucca Valley Nambucca Valley - popup ad Nambucca Valley News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 29, 2024 Youth of the Year finalists Takyla Hardes, Anastasia Harris and Ruby Wood, judges Phillip Argue, Bob Carline and Deidre Bear and program committee Chair Peter O’Neill. TAKYLA Hardes has been named the overall winner of the local Lions Youth of the Year program for 2024. This year’s final three contestants were Takyla and Anastasia Harris from Nambucca Heads High School, and Ruby Wood from Nambucca Valley Christian School. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The Lions Youth of the Year program, an annual national initiative, aims to help young Australians develop vital skills for future success. The Lions Club of Nambucca Heads is one of many Lions clubs across the country who support the program which is designed to foster leadership, citizenship, and personal growth in students aged 15 to 19 and currently attending high school. Participants in the program are recognised for their achievements in academics, leadership, sportsmanship, and public speaking, alongside their commitment to community service. Eleven students began the program in the Nambucca Valley in 2024. “I commend all of them for getting in and having a go and accepting this opportunity as it speaks volumes about them as people and the experience will serve them well into the future,” said the Lions Club’s Peter O’Neill. The competition begins at the local Lions club level and successful participants progress through zone, regional, district and state competitions, culminating in the national finals. The national winner is awarded scholarships for further education and personal development, along with the unique opportunity to represent Australia at an international youth camp overseas. The young ladies delivered the public speaking component of the contest on Tuesday night at the Nambucca Heads RSL Club in front of the judges, family and friends and members of the Nambucca Lions. Judges this year were Bob Carline, a former teacher at Macksville High School and Principal at Condobolin High School; Phillip Argue, a former teacher from Macksville High School who has vast experience in chairing Youth of the Year panels; and Mrs Deidre Bear, an extensively experienced former literacy and numeracy Teacher with TAFE NSW. All three contestants spoke well and clearly put significant effort into their prepared speeches, with Ruby Wood taking out the public speaking element of the competition. Takyla Hardes will now progress to the Zone level of the competition in March 2025. By Mick BIRTLES Public speaking winner Ruby Wood from Nambucca Valley Christian School with Bob Carline, the Chair of the judging panel. Overall winner Takyla Hardes from Nambucca Heads High School with judging panel Chair Bob Carline.
