RCHS Seniors Take Center Stage at Rotary Club Speech Contest
photo Credit: Gary Bosley
Front row L - R: Dr. Al Hearne (Superintendent of Redwood Christian Schools), 3rd place winner Ashlyn Miller, 1st place winner Nathanael Butler, 2nd place winner Ethan Neal, John Aufdermauer, contest chair and Club past president. Back row L – R: Dr. Evan Barnhart Assistant Principal, Redwood Christian High School, and Justin Redemer, Principal, Redwood Christian High School.
On March 14, the Club hosted the Club Level competition of the Richard D. King Annual Speech Contest at their weekly lunch meeting. Program Director John Aufdermauer served as Master of Ceremonies introducing the speakers.
Abigail Hague, Ashlyn Miller, Ethan Neal, Julianna Loux, Kayla Chaudhary and Nathanael Butler, seniors from Redwood Christian High School were the contestants.
Each of their speeches represented an understanding of this year’s Rotary International theme IMAGINE ROTARY, and the Four-Way Test: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Judging good speeches to pick the best of the best is always difficult, but Castro Valley Rotarians Craig Semmelmeyer, Jim Phillips, Marco Jaramillo and Misti Short were up to the task.
Nathanael Butler was awarded first place, Ethan Neal was awarded second place, and Ashlyn Miller was awarded third place. In addition to all speakers receiving certificates with their achievement listed, Nathanael was awarded a check for $100, Ethan received a check for $50, and Ashlyn received a check for $25.
Due to both Nathanael and Ethan being on a missions service project to the Navajo Nation, Ashlyn will represent the Rotary Club of Castro Valley at the Area Speech Contest on March 28, 2023, at Dublin High School. The Area Winner will advance to the Regional Level and the winner at Regional Level will advance to the District Speech Meet.
The Castro Valley Rotary Club, chartered in 1953, is a non-political, non-religious humanitarian service organization that brings together individuals, business, and professional leaders, to provide community service, promote integrity and advance worldwide goodwill, peace and understanding.
The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is currently providing hybrid meetings with both in-person luncheons at Redwood Canyon and online on Tuesdays at 12:00 p.m. Speakers and links to the meetings are posted at www.castrovalleyrotary.org under Upcoming Events. The Club welcomes individuals who want to make a positive impact locally, nationally, and internationally.