Schools
2 April, 2025
Bribie student wins Youth of the Year
A GRADE 12 student from Bribie Island State High School won both the overall and public speaking sections of the District 201Q3 Lions Youth of the Year on Saturday, March 22.
Students from Roma to Caloundra participated in this prestigious Lions Australia youth project, with each student having had two minutes to answer two impromptu questions put forth by the panel of judges, as well as having to give a five-minute prepared speech.
Chairman of Judges, Nick Harrison, said Melody’s answers and five-minute speech made the audience smile at her humour and then blink and sit back to listen when she swung into serious mode.
“With eloquence and conviction, she painted a compelling vision of youth harnessing AI and social media to develop innovative solutions to global challenges,” he said.
“Yet, while her eyes are set on the future, Melody remains deeply connected to our past. “Her inspiring speech powerfully underscored the significance of intergenerational relationships, highlighting their invaluable role in enriching both younger and older generations.”
Mr Harrison said Melody’s declaration “We are the change the world needs” captivated both the judges and the attentive audience.
With a life goal of one day becoming Prime Minister, the public speaking awards work in her favour, with Melody now going on to State judging.
Afterwards, the winners from each State eventually go to the Lions Australia Multiple District Convention in Traralgon in May, where a National winner will be announced.
This youth project, which has been running since 1964, offers young people the chance to challenge themselves in areas such as leadership, general knowledge, public speaking, academic achievement, sporting and cultural interests, and community involvement.
What began in Brisbane as a project to encourage leadership, evolved into a program that now attracts over 3,000 entrants each year, with participation across every state and territory.
