CHESTER — Each year, Lions Clubs throughout Vermont invite high school juniors and seniors to write and deliver a speech based on the current Lions Clubs International president’s theme for the year. At this year’s statewide competition in Chester, during the Vermont Lions District 45 Cabinet Meeting on Saturday, March 10, two of the three prize winners came from the Addison Independent’s coverage area.
The theme for President Dr. Nareah Aggarwal’s year is “The Power of We – We Serve,” using the 101-year-old Lions’ motto “We Serve.” Dorcus Lohese, representing the Colchester Lions Club, took home first place with a speech using visual effects and pointing out how we all start off as “I,” but how much more we can accomplish as “we.” Placing second was Mason Charlebois, representing the Vergennes Lions Club. Third place was won by Maxwell Williams, representing the Brandon-Forestdale and Pittsford Lions Clubs.
District Co-Chair Kathy Dorman expressed her thanks for all the hard work the young folks did toward their presentations. All speakers received a rousing round of applause recognizing the considerable work that each student did to compete. “This has, overall, been one of the best contests we have seen over our many years of the competition,” said Co-Chair Connie St. George.