Eight local high school students had five minutes each to delve into one of their passion topics in front of a panel of judges at this year’s Quota Student of the Year Quest, held by Quota International of Bundaberg.
The annual event encourages Year 12 students from across the Bundaberg Region to take part in the chance to take out the first place with a prize of $500.
The topics of discussion this year were varied with the four-judge panel assessing the students on leadership, general and cultural knowledge, current affairs and personality.
Quota International of Bundaberg Publicity Officer Jas Haster said a large group of families, teachers and Quotarians gathered at HSG At the Gardens for the second phase of judging.
“The students had to give a prepared speech of five minutes duration on a subject of their choice,” Jas said.
“A number of well prepared and interesting speeches followed on diverse topics ranging from climate change, artificial intelligence, chess and vegetarianism.
“The speeches were entertaining and well-presented and clearly showed the passion the students had for their chosen topics.”
Jas said points were awarded for the interview and the speeches allowing the judges to determine the winner.
Judging panel member Dion Taylor commended the overall high standard of the entrants and the pleasure the judges had taken both in conducting the interviews and listening to the speeches.
Bundaberg Quota Student of the Year contestants
Bundaberg Christian College
Elias Harbison
Noah Hayes
Bundaberg State High School
Alex Buckholz
Kasey Chandler
Kepnock State High School
Indruh Lawrence
Shalom College
Sam Freeman
St Luke’s Anglican School
Manjeera Ramadas
Sara Bilwani
Bundaberg State High student Kasey Chandler was chosen to receive the first prize of $500.
Her speech on consumerism in today’s society was thought provoking but also humorous.
The Encouragement Award was presented to Sam Freeman from Shalom College who gave an entertaining speech on scientists and the new age.
Sam nominated the Shiksha Education for Underprivileged Children in India to receive the donation.
Quota supports the community
Jas said the Student of The Year Quest was one the many community activities undertaken by Quota.
“We regularly support local causes including Edon Place domestic violence shelter, CareFlight Rescue Helicopter and the deaf and hearing impaired.
Internationally, Quota Clubs from many countries support The Quota Hand in Hand Program which aims to change lives in developing countries.
These projects mainly help with education, health or micro business start-ups for women, children and the deaf and hearing impaired, living in extreme poverty.
The Student of the Year Quest is for Year 12 students with the winner receiving $500.
An encouragement award is also presented with the winner choosing a Hand-in-Hand project to receive a $200 donation from Quota International of Bundaberg.
Quota Bundaberg is a friendly group of ladies who hold lunchtime business meetings one Wednesday a month and regular Social functions.
If you would like more information on Quota please contact Jeannie on 0409 281 787 or email Bundaberg.quota@gmail.com
Forthcoming fundraisers for Quota projects include a cent sale on 12 October at East Bundaberg Sports Club, and then a weekend shopping trip to Brisbane and Eumundi Markets on 11 and 12 November. For information phone 0427 369 139.
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